Sale 9382
London, South Kensington
|
15 May 2002
Price realised
GBP 2,232
Estimate
THREE OLD BABYLONIAN CUNEIFORM CLAY TABLETS CIRCA 1900-1700 B.C. Comprising a letter, with 46 lines of text, concerning a business matter between two private individuals, "'Speak to Dadâ', Thus says Damu-ellassu, May Shamash and Ninshubur keep you alive for 3600 years. What is this letter in which you say, 'In accordance with your notice you are not sending anyone.' Why did you write like that? I hate writing for our firm. Let Adad-rim-ili tell you about the complaints, since I am not free ...", chipped at upper left and lower right edge, 3 3/8 x 2 1/16 in. (8.7 x 5.2 cm.); another, 26 lines of text, a business letter between two private individuals, "... If there are finished shovels available, send me 60 unfinished shovels. If there are no finished shovels available, send me 120 ... as practicable. The need is urgent. Do not be lazy over what I am writing to you. Strike the ground and send shovels! ...", chip to lower left corner, 4 3/16 x 1 15/16 in. (10.7 x 4.9 cm.); and another, 15 lines of text concerning a business affair, involving barley and another unknown item, worn, 2 7/8 x 1 5/8 in. (7.4 x 4.4 cm.) (3)
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