Dimension: 20x16x4 mm

Introduction:
Step back into the dawn of urban civilization with this mystical Mother of Pearl piece, dating back to the Jemdet Nasr period (3100-2900 BC). This opalescent artifact is etched with concentric circles, often interpreted as 'eyes', evoking the aesthetic sensibilities of an era that laid the foundations for script and city-states.

Estimate: $450-$700
The market for Mother of Pearl artifacts, especially from the significant Jemdet Nasr period, is on the rise. Items like this, with distinct markings, command higher prices, often surpassing the $500 mark in retail due to their age and archaeological significance.

Auction Market Analysis:
Mother of Pearl items from ancient Mesopotamia are exceedingly rare, making them highly sought after at auction. With its intricate engravings, this piece not only embodies the artistic expression of its time but also represents an investment in cultural heritage that is likely to accrue value.

Collector & Resale Insight:
Historical artifacts such as this have shown a value appreciation of nearly 120% in the past 10 years. The increasing scarcity of Jemdet Nasr period pieces ensures that they remain a lucrative investment, promising substantial returns for collectors.

Provenance:
Consignor: Antiquities of Babylon
Year Acquired: 2017
Country of Acquisition: United Arab Emirates
Acquired through a specialized Middle Eastern collection, this Mother of Pearl artifact is a testament to the Jemdet Nasr people's craftsmanship. A soft copy of the digital copy of Certificate of Authenticity (COA) will be provided, verifying its provenance and current valuation in the collectors' market.

Auctioneer's Comment:
We invite you to take part in a seamless auction experience with us. Upon winning a lot, you can rely on our team to facilitate the entire process. We arrange for your item to be carefully packaged and shipped via DHL, offering global reach from Asia. Keep in mind, DHL's minimum shipping charge is $40, based on parcel size and weight. Consolidating multiple auction wins into a single parcel is savvy, as we present nearly 1250 lots for bidding. Invoices are issued within 8 hours post-auction, with shipping fees not including insurance. To ensure peace of mind, we recommend adding shipping insurance before finalizing the checkout, as we are not liable for damage in transit without it.

Thousand Planet Auction House
Important Notice: Antique Item Examination & Terms

1. Ownership: Thousand Planet Auction House acts as an intermediary and does not own any auction lots. All lots are property of pawnshops, estate companies, or consigned from various consignors.

2. "As Is" Sale: All lots are sold "as is" without warranties or guarantees, either express or implied. Descriptions are for guidance only and should not be considered comprehensive or definitive. We encourage bidders to perform their own inspections and research.

3. Auction Format: Our auction house employs the Timed Auction format without internet competing bids, and there are no reserve prices set. Each lot beckons with its unique starting price, reflecting our commitment to total transparency. Starts with a minimal opening price, which is typically lower than the actual market selling price. The estimated value range provided (min-max) for each auction lot reflects the approximate retail market value of the item.

4. Photo Inspection: Before bidding, carefully inspect the zoomed-in photos provided. These images aim to detail the item's condition, authenticity, and features, enabling bidders to judge the age themselves.

5. Clarifications: Seek clarity on any doubts about an item's age or authenticity before bidding. Our team is available to provide needed information.

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7. Avoid Misrepresentation: Claims asserting an item's age or authenticity without evidence are invalid. If you cannot discern age from detailed photos, making age-based claims from plain sight is unreasonable.

8. Bid Responsibly: New collectors or those unfamiliar with antiques should ensure they possess the requisite knowledge before participating. Avoid causing issues based on misinformation or limited knowledge.

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10. Fairness & Transparency: We facilitate transparent transactions, working as a neutral third party. We organize auctions, provide detailed photos, and assist consignors with shipping. All items are sold following the "As Is" concept: what you see is what you receive. Bidders should be familiar with assessing an item's patina for age verification.

11. No Returns/Exchanges: All sales are final. Refunds in exceptional cases won't include DHL shipping charges.

12. Payment & Late Fees: Pay winning bids within 3 days of auction end. Delays may cancel your wins and impact future participation.

13. DHL Shipping: Minimum shipping cost starts at $40 regardless of size or destination. Combine multiple wins to save on shipping. Buyers bear any taxes or customs duties. There's no default insurance; request quotes based on parcel value.

14. Bidder Agreement: Bidding forms a contract. By placing a bid, you confirm understanding and agreement to these terms. Auctions aren't like regular e-commerce. Ensure informed decisions and self-reliance. Bid based on provided photos and descriptions.

Certificate of Authenticity (COA) Terms
1. Basis: COAs are issued based on consignor information, not independent auctioneer verification.
2. No Warranty: The auctioneer provides no warranties about the COA's accuracy, validity, or completeness.
3. Limitation of Liability: The auctioneer isn't liable for any COA errors or omissions. Any damages arising from COA use fall outside our responsibility.
4. Indemnification: Bidders agree to shield the auctioneer from any claims related to the COA or item.
5. Governing Law: These terms are governed by laws of the auctioneer's jurisdiction, not the USA. Disputes will be settled in the auctioneer's local courts.

Acceptance: Bidding indicates agreement to all above terms and conditions across 19 sections