241 - Kassite Agate Eye Bead with Cuneiform Inscription for King Kurigalzu II in Gold Mount. 'Strong Man, King of Babylon, Son of Burnaburia '

Kassite Agate Eye Bead with Cuneiform Inscription for King Kurigalzu II in Gold Mount. 'Strong Man, King of Babylon, Son of Burnaburia ' 1400-1000 B.C. Polished cabochon in a gold frame with radiating bosses, integral loop; reverse with four incised columns of cuneiform text naming Kurigalzu II. See Bonhams, 4 December 2025, no.5 ( 190,900 inc. Bp); cf. similar (unmounted) inscribed sardonyx in the Morgan Library & Museum, New York under reference '086. Eye Stone Amulet'. 18.30 grams, 42 mm (1 5/8 in.). [A video of this lot is available to view on TimeLine Auctions Website] (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.) Private collection, Mrs M.V., circa 1980s. Kept in Switzerland since the late 1980s. Accompanied by an old developed photograph, 22 August 1998. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13202-249238. The cuneiform inscription names Kurigalzu II (c.1332-1308 B.C.), 'strong man, King of Babylon, son of Burnaburia .' Kurigalzu II was one of the most powerful Kassite rulers, known for his military campaigns and extensive building projects, including the foundation of the city of Dur-Kurigalzu. Inscribed Kassite agate eye beads are rare and are generally understood to have served amuletic or votive functions, combining royal titulary with protective symbolism. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.