1640 - Aramaic Terracotta Magical Incantation Bowl. Circa 4th-8th century A.D. With conical body, the inner face bearing the remains of concentric rings of inked magical Aramaic text. Cf. The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, accession number: 80.001.0001. 369 grams, 16.9 cm (6 5/8 in.).

Aramaic Terracotta Magical Incantation Bowl. Circa 4th-8th century A.D. With conical body, the inner face bearing the remains of concentric rings of inked magical Aramaic text. Cf. The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, accession number: 80.001.0001. 369 grams, 16.9 cm (6 5/8 in.). Private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK Aramaic incantation bowls are particular to the Sasanian period and have been found in the regions of modern Iraq. These simple ceramic bowls, also known as magic bowls, each contain an Aramaic inscription, written in ink, which spirals from the centre. The bowls seem to have played an important part in domestic life. For example, during excavation in Nippur in 1889, one or more incantation bowls were found in each house together with domestic artefacts, most often in doorways or under floorboards in the corner of rooms. The bowls are predominantly apotropaic, and the inscriptions tend to protect their owners from misfortunes such as childbirth, illness and evil spirits. 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.