Lot 319
319
TWO RARE OLD BABYLONIAN CLAY CUNEIFORM INSCRIBED WINE TAGS
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TWO RARE OLD BABYLONIAN CLAY CUNEIFORM INSCRIBED WINE TAGS

CIRCA REIGN OF WARAD-SIN (1835-1823 B.C.)

Details
TWO RARE OLD BABYLONIAN CLAY CUNEIFORM INSCRIBED WINE TAGS
CIRCA REIGN OF WARAD-SIN (1835-1823 B.C.)
The smaller one in the form of a truncated cone, an inscription on the side reads "Bitter wine"; the larger cylindrical tag with four lines of script on the side reading "Sweet wine and the date grove of the city of Warad-Sin, 8", both with central shaft for attachment
1¼ in. (3.1 cm.) high, 1½ in. (3.8 cm.) diam. max.; and 2¼ in. (5.7 cm.) high, 2 in. (5 cm.) diam. respectively (2)
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Wine made from grapes was a relative rarity in Babylonia as it was not produced in the region, but in Kurdistan where it is still made by Christian Kurds. Warad-Sin was a king of the town of Larsa, who reigned circa 1835-1823 B.C., and it may well be that it is this king who is being referred to on the second tag. Presumably the above tags were used to label wine vats, one of bitter, the other of sweet wine. The reference to a date grove may be explained, as the Babylonians did make a date wine and it would have been possible to dilute the more expensive grape wine with the cheaper date substitute.

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