264 - Mesopotamian Decorated Alabaster Bowl. 1st millennium B.C. With flat rim and four projecting lugs; band of incised concentric rings to the rim and shoulder; curving sidewall to a narrow flat base. 503 grams, 13.2 cm wide (5 1/4 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.)

Mesopotamian Decorated Alabaster Bowl. 1st millennium B.C. With flat rim and four projecting lugs; band of incised concentric rings to the rim and shoulder; curving sidewall to a narrow flat base. 503 grams, 13.2 cm wide (5 1/4 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.) Private collection, USA and Switzerland, acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s; by descent to the current owner. Vessels of this typology were used mainly as mortars for crushing legumes, cereals, fruit, spices, the bare minimum needed for preparing daily food, but also for pharmaceutical products and for painting, for mixing colours and ointments. 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.