{"title":"FEATURED","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"rj1303","title":"A Roman Intaglio of an Equestrian Warrior, ca 1st century CE","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful intaglio is carved in a piece of bright blue and green striped mosaic glass, formed by laminating individual pieces in separate colors under great heat which causes them to fuse together.  On its surface, a horse and mounted warrior have been carved in great detail; the bearded warrior is fully armed - wearing a large crested helmet, breastplate, a great shield on his back, he holds the reigns of his horse in his left hand.  This superb intaglio was set as a ring in 1989 and is itself a striking example of wearable art.    Cast in rich 22K gold, the oval bezel joins a separately made hoop inlaid with braided wire filigree of platinum and gold, of a style typical of Roman rings during the late Byzantine period.  The interior of the shank is inscribed:  c1989 Ariadne 22KT, Tim Koheki 1-29.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMosaic glass objects were manufactured using a laborious and time-consuming technique. Multicolored canes of mosaic glass were created, then stretched to shrink the patterns and either cut across into small, circular pieces or lengthwise into strips. These were placed together to form a flat circle, heated until they fused, and the resulting disk was then sagged over or into a mold to give the object its shape. Almost all cast objects required polishing on their edges and interiors to smooth the imperfections caused by the manufacturing process; the exteriors usually did not require further polishing because the heat of the annealing furnace would create a shiny, \"fire-polished\" surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor related examples of such intaglios see:   Marshall, FH ; \u003cem\u003eCatalogue of the Finger Rings Greek, Etruscan \u0026amp; Roman in the Department of Antiquities, British Museum\u003c\/em\u003e (London, 1907) pl.12, no.396 and Spier, Jeffrey \"\u003cem\u003eAncient Gems and Finger Rings, Catalogue of the Collections, The J. Paul Getty Museum\u003c\/em\u003e\" (California, 1992) p. 145-152.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:  \u003c\/strong\u003e  Intact and in excellent condition overall.  A very fine and rare example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e:  \u003cspan\u003eUS ring size 5 1\/2 (UK=L, DE=16, CH=11 3\/4)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e:  Acquired Ariadne Gallery, New York  after 1989, thereafter in a private FL collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll photos copyright \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kornbluthphoto.com\/contact.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKornbluth Photography, Maryland\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kodner Galleries Inc, Florida","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":9569993605,"sku":"RJ1303","price":12500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/ZRJ1303_8.jpg?v=1581425335"},{"product_id":"gj1401","title":"A Pair of Gold and Garnet Earrings Depicting Eros, Hellenistic Period, ca. 2nd - 1st century BCE","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eExquisite pair of Hellenistic gold earrings in the form of the winged god Eros, each finely modeled in the nude with his wings raised behind him and his hands resting confidently on his hips. Across the chest is a delicate bandolier enriched with applied granulation, demonstrating the exceptional technical skill of Hellenistic goldsmiths. Above each figure is a pear-shaped bezel set with a polished cabochon garnet, suspended beneath a tapering ear wire formed from plain gold wire wrapped in a spiral. The attachment loop is ingeniously concealed behind the figure's feet, allowing Eros to appear suspended below the gemstone.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRepresentations of Eros became especially popular during the Hellenistic period, when artists increasingly favored expressive and naturalistic subjects. No longer portrayed solely as the mischievous companion of Aphrodite, Eros came to embody love, beauty, fertility, and the enduring power of human emotion. Jewelry depicting the youthful god was prized not only for its artistic refinement but also as a symbolic expression of affection, prosperity, and divine protection. The combination of sculptural goldwork, delicate granulation, and richly colored garnets exemplifies the sophisticated craftsmanship that characterized luxury jewelry produced throughout the eastern Mediterranean during the late Hellenistic period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e  Intact and in excellent condition overall.  A superb example. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Overall drop length: 1 inch (2.5cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e ex. Sir Sidney Nolan Collection (1917-1992), sold Christie's London, 1993;  thereafter G. Hendershott collection, AZ. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eSir Sidney Nolan is widely regarded as one of Australia's greatest twentieth-century artists. Best known for his celebrated \u003cem\u003eNed Kelly\u003c\/em\u003e series, Nolan achieved international recognition for his innovative paintings and was appointed to the Order of Merit, one of the United Kingdom's highest personal honors. Beyond his own artistic achievements, he assembled an exceptional collection of antiquities and ethnographic art, reflecting a lifelong fascination with the civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean and Near East. Objects from his collection are especially desirable, both for their distinguished ownership history and because Nolan acquired works with a discerning eye for artistic quality rather than merely historical interest. His collection was dispersed at Christie's, London, following his death, with many pieces entering important private collections.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Goldberg Auctions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":9569580805,"sku":"GJ1401","price":5950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/GJ1401_2.jpg?v=1607275379"},{"product_id":"mj1402","title":"A large pair of Eastern Roman Gold Earrings, ca. 3rd century CE","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe hollow crescent bodies of this pair of large Eastern Roman boat-shaped earrings terminate in wire hoops and are decorated on the front with applied drop-shaped box settings inlaid using glass.  Attached below the earrings is a cluster of ornate sprees and smaller drop-shaped compartments bearing pieces of polished carnelian that echo the larger glass setting above. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efor related examples see:  Oliver Jr.  A. \u0026amp; Davidson P. \"Ancient Greek and Roman Gold Jewelry in the Brooklyn Museum\"  (New York, 1985) nos. 136-137, p. 121. and the Museum of the Louvre, Paris, Campana Collection under the reference: BJ 322, BJ 323.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"line-height: 1.2;\"\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.2;\"\u003e Intact and in excellent condition overall, with fine reddish patination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:  \u003c\/strong\u003eHeight:  3 1\/2 inches (8.9 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:   \u003c\/strong\u003ePrivate Virginia collection, acquired from the London trade in 1968.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ed Rector","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":8048854405,"sku":"MJ1402","price":9500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/MJ1402_7.jpg?v=1607542955"},{"product_id":"mj1419","title":"An Islamic Gold Hinged Bracelet, Seljuk Period, 11th-12th century","description":"\u003cp\u003ecomprising two cylindrical tapering shanks of hollow sheet construction, fastened by a pin and terminated with two \u003cspan\u003estylised dragon head terminals facing a central, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003elavishly decorated \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eeight-petalled rosette\u003c\/span\u003e, and two decorative triple loop hinged elements all around a screw post clasp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/b\u003eWidth: 2 3\/4 inches (6.98 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:   \u003c\/b\u003eThe bracelet is intact and in very good condition overall, there is some expected minor denting that does not detract.  \u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eProvenance:  \u003c\/b\u003ePrivate NYC collection, previously Anavian family collection acquired in Iran by David and Henry Anavian, prior to the departure of the Shah in 1979.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":16718732165,"sku":"MJ1419","price":8500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/MJ1419_3_db4fea17-817e-485e-851b-ebd98131dbe8.jpg?v=1607272310"},{"product_id":"as1803","title":"A mottled red sandstone head of a Jina, India, 11th\/12th century CE","description":"sensitively carved in soft mottled red sandstone with heavy-lidded almond-shaped eyes opened in a steady gaze, defined arching brows, pursed lips set in a gentle smile, elongated ears, and tightly curled hair radiates the vital energy of early Kushan sculpture from the Mathura region. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Jainism, a Tirthankara (Sanskrit: tīrthaṅkara; English: literally a 'ford-maker') is a savior and spiritual teacher of the dharma (righteous path). The word Tirthankara signifies the founder of a tirtha, which is a fordable passage across the sea of interminable births and deaths, the saṃsāra. According to Jains, a Tirthankara is a rare individual who has conquered the saṃsāra, the cycle of death and rebirth, on their own and made a path for others to follow. After understanding the true nature of the Self or soul, the Tīrthaṅkara attains Kevala Jnana (omniscience), and the first Tirthankara refounds Jainism. Tirthankara provides a bridge for others to follow the new teacher from saṃsāra to moksha (liberation).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMahavira (6th century BCE) was the last Tirthankara to appear. According to tradition, his predecessor, Parshvanatha, lived about 250 years earlier; the other Tirthankaras mentioned in the Jain scriptures cannot be considered historical figures. According to Jain belief, each cosmic age produces its own group of 24 Tirthankaras, the first of whom—if it is an age of descending purity—are giants, but they decrease in stature and appear after shorter intervals of time as the age proceeds.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: Some losses to both ears, and loss to the underside tip of nose, and a few very minor chips on the hair knots, otherwise intact and in very good condition overall. Custom base. A beautiful example.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e: Height: 8 inches (20.3 cm), mounted height: 12 1\/2 inches (31.75)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Private NYC collection. Ex. Sotheby's, NYC, November 30, 1982, lot # 254 and Ex. Sotheby's, NYC, December 13, 2005, lot 53.","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":30892017090631,"sku":"AS1803","price":17500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/AS1803.jpg?v=1714683727"},{"product_id":"gt1902","title":"A Greek Terracotta Warrior on Horse, Canosa, circa 4th - 3rd Century BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe rider wearing \u003c\/span\u003ea Thracian helmet with cheek pieces, short pleated tunic attached at the shoulder with straps and buskins, and \u003cspan\u003esecured at the waist with a belt, his right arm raised to hold a now-missing weapon, the left by his side.  He sits astride a separately modeled horse, with elaborate disc decorated bridle, the forelegs raised with upright rippling mane and attached flowing tail, \u003c\/span\u003ecreating a wonderful sense of movement.\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Complete \u003c\/span\u003ewith extensive white slip, pink, and blue pigment remaining, overall in very good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Height: 10 7\/8 in (27.5 cm), Length: 11 1\/4 inches (28.5 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ex collection of Patrick Olivier Picourt, Paris, acquired in the 1980s; Mme. S., Paris.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Royal Athena","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":30899824853063,"sku":"GT1902","price":14500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/GT1902_4.jpg?v=1654893580"},{"product_id":"gj1902a","title":"A Hellenistic Gold Strap Necklace, ca. 3rd - 2nd century BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe strap of this stunning gold necklace is composed of five loop-in-loop chains connected with double cross-linking and terminal caps at each end of the strap. At the bottom edge of the necklace hangs a fringe of beechnut shaped pendants, each with granules at the tips and a miniature columnar base. Rosettes in the form of gentle six-petal flowers add to the floral motif and serve to discreetly mask the point at which each pendant is attached. The caps at either end of the necklace are decorated with a single similar rosette and etched leaves; ringlets curl at the edge of the terminal that meets the strap.\u003c\/p\u003e\nMany hundreds of joining operations were necessary to link the gold in the strap of this necklace together in a remarkable process that involved neither soldering nor melting the delicate gold. The craftsmanship of this piece is superb.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA prevalent style of necklace during the fourth century BC, strap necklaces with a fringe of identical pendants have long been a part of ancient Greek jewelry and can be found depicted on vases of the Hellenistic Period. In fact, this necklace-type has been discovered in many areas of the Greek world, including southern Italy, Asia Minor, and the Northern Pontus region (around the Black Sea). Similar pieces are on display in both The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The British Museum.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor related examples see: Alexander, Christine. 1928. Jewelry: The Art of the Goldsmith in Classical Times as Illustrated in the Museum Collection. p. 12, fig. 15, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.\u003cbr\u003eWilliams, Dyfri and Jack Ogden. 1994. Greek Gold: Jewelry of the Classical World. no. 68, pp. 116-17, New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intact and in very good condition overall.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Length: 39.2 cm (15.4 inches)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ex. private United Kingdom collection acquired in 1933. Ex. private Rotterdam, Netherlands collection, acquired in 1955. Ex. private Amsterdam collection acquired in 1972, and then by descent.  Accompanied by original sale invoices.","brand":"Sands of Time Ancient Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31123370442823,"sku":"GJ1902","price":150000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/GJ1902_7ac4c8be-0bec-41b2-8d93-829f106dff91.png?v=1701903062"},{"product_id":"eb1904","title":"An Egyptian Bronze Situla, 26th Dynasty, ca. 664 - 525 BCE","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFinely cast using the lost wax method, this fine, tapering vessel features a rolled rim, and rounded bottom with a knobbed base. It is decorated in raised relief, the upper register with two solar barques symbolizing the journey into the afterlife, the wide central register \u003cspan\u003ewith a priest, incised text above, making an offering to a procession of deities\u003c\/span\u003e, making offerings to a procession of deities, including Isis with cow-horn crown, Nephthys, and Amun-Ra, each holding the life sign ankh in their right hand and a \u003cem\u003ewas\u003c\/em\u003e scepter in their left, the lower register showing Harpokrates with Hathor cows flanking a lotus, the pointed base in the form of a lotus flower; recurrent in Egyptian descriptions of the birth of the universe.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground:\u003c\/strong\u003e A Situla was a sacred vessel used for religious ceremonies, the situla is a very small round-bottomed bucket or pail, usually cast from bronze and decorated with mythological motifs. During the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, the situla was carried by the priests of Isis and used in rituals and processions. The situla held holy water from the Nile or milk as a symbol of Isis in her form as a mother goddess.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eHeight: 5 3\/4 inches (14.6 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eIntact and in excellent condition overall.  A very fine example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance: \u003c\/strong\u003eGeorgiou family collection, acquired 1962 and kept until 1997, Munich, Germany. Private collection, Belgium, Mrs. R., 1997-2012, thereafter the Harer Family Trust Collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dr. Benson Harer","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31262695227463,"sku":"EB1904","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/EB1904.jpg?v=1607278916"},{"product_id":"mj1903","title":"A Published Biblical Canaanite golden Locust, ca. 11th century BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom the time of the Prophet Samuel, this remarkable gold locust has a naturalistic body with folded wings and indentations detailing the face, neck, and back. Two long gold wires attached to the stomach to form four small legs, and a thicker piece of incised wire attached on either side as the long back legs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublished:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ilton, Paul \"The Bible was my Treasure Map\" (1958). Mr. Ilton dedicates a chapter in his book about this piece. Allegedly discovered in a Canaanite temple in Beth-Shen, (pg. 63), he believed it to be \"proof of the celebrated locust worship by pagan Philistine and Canaanite priests,\" (pg. 61). He refers to a ritual in which golden insects were offered, perhaps with the intention to hold back plagues, which is described in the Book of Samuel, chapter 6 verses 4 and 5; Then they said, \"What shall be the trespass offering which we shall return to him?\" They said, \"Five golden tumors, and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines; for one plague was on you all, and on your lords. Therefore you shall make images of your tumors, and images of your mice that mar the land; and you shall give glory to the God of Israel: perhaps he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExhibited:\u003c\/strong\u003e   Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY. \"From the Land of the Bible\" traveling exhibition, 1953.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 32 mm (1 1\/4 inches)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intact and in very fine condition overall.  A rare and important object.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e   Paul Ilton private collection, acquired prior to 1958. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Paul Ilton","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31592780660807,"sku":"MJ1903","price":75000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/MJ1903_2_729c44fb-b513-4e17-9ea7-ef599b1c7cb4.jpg?v=1607276150"},{"product_id":"an-egyptian-granite-relief-fragment-for-paser-ii-19th-dynasty-ca-1279-1213-bc","title":"An Egyptian Relief Fragment for Paser II, Reign of Ramesses II, ca. 1279 - 1213 BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003ea granite relief fragment finely carved in six registers, for the king's scribe Paser II, the text reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"[...] when drafting recruits...\u003cbr\u003ethat I received from the gift of...\u003cbr\u003eI answered free of falsehood...\u003cbr\u003eI completed two-thirds, only one-third was left...\u003cbr\u003eof Amun, the overseer of the prophets of Min...\u003cbr\u003ethe Osiris, king's scribe Paser.\" \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaser II was the son of the High Priest of Min and Isis named Minmose during the reign of Ramesses II; one uncle was the High Priest of Amun, Wennenefer and another the Troop Commander of Kush named Pennesuttawy. Through Wennenefer, Paser was related to Amenemone (troop commander of the army), Amenemope (Chief of Seers in the house of Re and chamberlain to the Pharaoh), and Hori, the High Priest of Anhur. Paser's titles include: the King's son of Kush, overseer of the Southern Lands, and king's scribe. Paser is attested in a statue from Abu Simbel,  a land donation stela from Abu Simbel where Paser appears before Amun, and a rock stela in Abu Simbel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublished:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deutsch, Rabbi Shaul Shimon \"The Living Torah Museum, Parashah Series\" Israel 2012.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExhibited:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Living Torah Museum, Brooklyn NY from 2006 - 2014\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ecf:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kitchen, K.A., \u003cem\u003eRamesside Inscriptions, Translated \u0026amp; Annotated, Translations, Volume III,\u003c\/em\u003e Blackwell Publishers, 1996\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReisner, G. \u003cem\u003eThe Viceroys of Ethiopia, \u003c\/em\u003eThe Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, Vol. 6, No. 1. (Jan. 1920)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHerrero, A.: \u003cem\u003eThe 'King's Son of Kush' Paser(II), Son of the 'High Priest of Min and Isis' Minmose,\u003c\/em\u003e Volume 13 (2002) \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003e The fragment is intact and in very good condition overall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eHeight: 15 cm (5.9 inches), Width: 26.5 cm (10.4 inches), Depth: 2.54 cm (1 inch)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:  \u003c\/strong\u003eMuseum deaccession, Brooklyn, NY, 2013, previously the private collection of Dr. Richard Vadaszy, NJ, acquired in the 1980s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rabbi Deutsch","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32215359782983,"sku":"ES1311","price":16500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/ES1311.jpg?v=1607273234"},{"product_id":"at2001","title":"A Chinese Painted Pottery Court Lady, Tang Dynasty, ca. mid 8th century CE","description":"\u003cp\u003ePerhaps the most engaging and distinctive groups of Tang funerary sculpture is the one representing ladies of the court. This so-called “fat lady” is an exceptional example that reflects the Tang dynasty’s very highest artistic standards.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most iconic and desired of all Tang ceramic types, she stands gracefully in fashionable demeanor, her left hand holds a rounded mirror, and, with head slightly tilted, she admires her reflection. Her sensitively modeled face has a natural grace and elegance expressed in the delicate features. The exquisite eyes, full cheeks, carefully plucked brows, and gentle smile flawlessly reflect the contemporary ideal of voluptuous beauty.  Her hair is dressed in an elaborate coiffure known as \u003cem\u003eduomaji\u003c\/em\u003e (‘falling horse bun’) or \u003cem\u003ewoduoji\u003c\/em\u003e (‘shirt falling bun’).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe is dressed in long-sleeved, flowing robes, all with incised design to emphasize the fluid folds and pleats of her gown, thus providing a sense of grace and dynamism to her voluptuous figure. Her tiny feet, encased within small upturned shoes, peep from the bottom of the gown. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Tang sculptors’ careful attention to fashion and physiognomy details allows us to trace in their works the changing fashions of ladies at court during this period. Models of court ladies made in the early part of the Tang dynasty depict them wearing tight-fitting garments that accentuated their slender forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, the reign of Emperor Xuanzong (reigned 712-756) seems to have heralded the growth in popularity of a more generous female form and the adoption of less structured, more flowing robes. This shift in aesthetic tastes is thought to have been influenced by the Emperor's favorite concubine, Yang Guifei (719 - 756), known as one of the four great beauties of ancient China, and whose curvaceous physique was legendary. Yet, excavated figures suggest the fashion was already coming to prominence by the time Yang Guifei won the emperor’s admiration. Dressed in elegant clothes with their hair arranged in elaborate coiffures, and their faces beautified with cosmetics, these aristocratic Tang women figures possess a singular grace and charm. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn Oxford Research Laboratory Thermoluminescence test accompanies this piece, which scientifically dates it to the Tang Period (618 - 906 CE). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ecf: Jan Fontein and Tung Wu, \u003cem\u003eUnearthing China’s Past\u003c\/em\u003e (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1973), pp. 174-175, no. 89 (46cm high) and fig. 90. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDiao Shi Ru Sheng: \u003cem\u003eGugong Cang Sui Tang Taoyong (Carved and Clothed as if Alive: Sui and Tang Dynasty Tomb Figurines in the Collection of the Gugong Museum)\u003c\/em\u003e, Forbidden City press, Beijing, 2006, no. 44, p. 98\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBower, V.,\u003cem\u003e From Court to Caravan: Chinese Tomb Sculptures from the Collection of Anthony M. Solomon,\u003c\/em\u003e Harvard University Art Museums, Cambridge, Mass. 2002, no.33, p.112\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJames C.Y. Watt and Prudence Oliver Harper (ed.), \u003cem\u003eChina: Dawn of a Golden Age,\u003c\/em\u003e 200-750 AD (New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2004), pp. 310-11, nos. 202 A and B.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e  Modeled from reddish colored clay, the left hand professionally reattached with cosmetic overpainting, some minor losses that do not detract, overall intact, and in excellent condition.  An exceptional example that is unusual to find in collections outside of China. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Height: 15 1\/8 inches (38.4 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Private NY collection, acquired from the NYC trade in 2003. Accompanied by Oxford Authentication Ltd Thermoluminescence Test C103p47 consistent with the dating.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"iGavel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32581032804423,"sku":"AT2001","price":25000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/AT2001_3_2210df13-b8be-453c-98e6-038a5b7403af.jpg?v=1607275460"},{"product_id":"rj2012-1","title":"A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE","description":"\u003cp\u003ea high karat gold hollow ring, the high bezel set with an agate intaglio with white inclusions that depicts the fertility god Priapus, shown in profile, with erect phallus and holding a long staff.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Greek mythology, Priapus was a  fertility god, protector of livestock, fruit plants, gardens, and male genitalia. Priapus is marked by his oversized, permanent erection, which gave rise to the medical term priapism. He became a popular figure in Roman erotic art and Latin literature and is the subject of the often humorously obscene collection of verse called the Priapeia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor ring style comparison: Patricia F. Davidson, Andrew Oliver, Jr.; \"Ancient Greek and Roman gold jewelry in the Brooklyn Museum\" (Brooklyn, 1984)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eUS ring size 6 1\/2  (UK=N, DE=17, CH=14, JP=13)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: There is a small chip to the lower edge of the intaglio that does not detract, otherwise intact and in very good condition overall.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e:  Private Texas collection, acquired from the Montreal, Canada trade in the mid-1980s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Suzanne Staley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32668703850567,"sku":"RJ2012","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/RJ2012_6538d48b-f235-40a4-a5e2-f9b6d96269de.jpg?v=1607280108"},{"product_id":"ef1703","title":"A Royal Egyptian Faience Floral Rosette, New Kingdom, ca. 1295 - 1190 BCE","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRosettes, such as this lovely example, have a long history in Egyptian decorative architecture and were popular at most palace sites.  Constructed entirely of faience, its distinctive eight white petals depict a flowering daisy, that contrasts wonderfully against a pale grey background.  Originally, a gold nail was inserted through the central hole to secure it to a palace wall, thus forming decorative borders and ornamental bands.  These rosettes give us a vivid idea of Egyptian palace décor, and what it might have been like to walk those corridors more than three thousand years ago.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ecf. F. Dunn Friedman (ed.), Gifts of the Nile. Ancient Egyptian Faience, (Providence 1998), pp.87 \u0026amp; 197, nos. 55-56.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eDiameter: 1 inch (2.5 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:  \u003c\/strong\u003eMultiple restorations, most recent 2017.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe John J. Slocum private Collection of Ancient Art: John Slocum (1914-1997) collected most of his antiquities while serving as US cultural attaché to Egypt in the 1960s. Later, he served as Assistant to the Director of The Smithsonian, was appointed by President Reagan to the Presidential Cultural Property Advisory Committee, and was a Trustee Emeritus of the Archaeological Institute of America. He was a well-respected scholar\/collector, whose medieval crusader coins were sold in a single-owner sale at Sotheby’s, London in 1997.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ancient Objects","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32673555873863,"sku":"EF1703","price":3950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/EF1703_3.jpg?v=1607274879"},{"product_id":"ej2018","title":"An Egyptian Blue Glass Ear Stud, 18th - 19th Dynasty, ca. 1350 - 1250 BCE","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCharacteristics of this fine blue glass ear stud show the quality of 18th Dynasty glassmaking as well as some of the rich colors available to the craftsmen.   Of papyrus style, it comprises a body of translucent deep blue glass, highlighted at the base with a fine contrasting spiral coil of opaque yellow and with a white band at the rim. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis piece was core-formed, whereby a clay or dung core is fashioned over a small metal rod. Glass was probably trailed or pulled onto the core by means of a second tool, then marvered smooth on a flat surface. Trails of contrasting colors were wound onto the small piece and marvered smooth. The finished stud was removed from the rod, annealed, then the core was scraped out.  The piece was now ready to wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublished: \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChristie's, London, Ancient Egyptian Glass and Faience from the 'Per-neb' Collection, Part III, 8 December 1993, lot 237. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eLength: 2 cm (0.78 inches)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eIntact and in excellent condition overall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:   \u003c\/strong\u003ePrivate collection, Switzerland, acquired between the 1920s to early 1940s.  Christie's, London, Ancient Egyptian Glass and Faience from the 'Per-neb' Collection, Part III, 8 December 1993, lot 237. Jacobs collection, Switzerland since 1993.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bonhams","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32678258671687,"sku":"EJ2018","price":3250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/EJ2018_7.jpg?v=1670253803"},{"product_id":"ej2032","title":"An Egyptian Gold and Jasper Ring Bezel, late 18th Dynasty, ca. 1479 - 1295 BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Egyptian name for red jasper is \u003cem\u003ekhenmet\u003c\/em\u003e, to delight, linking the positive aspects of red with connotations of energy, dynamism, power, and even life itself.  For the Egyptians, it was the red stone \u003cem\u003epar excellence\u003c\/em\u003e, and this cowrie shaped ring bezel of exceptional red jasper, mounted in high karat gold, is indeed a delight. The stone is softly polished to a fine sheen, the setting constructed from a strip of gold foil wrapped around the sides of the stone and folded over the edges of the bezel's base so the underside could be seen. Soldered at both ends of the terminals are ring discs of gold foil, and originally a gold wire was fed through the bezel, creating a shank for wearing and allowing the bezel to swivel. Here, a modern 18k gold shank has been constructed in keeping with ancient design.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ecf: Bulsink, M., Bomhof, P. J., \u0026amp; Kemp, A. . (2015). Egyptian gold jewellery: With a catalogue of the collection of gold objects in the Egyptian Department of the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, cat. 127, 128 p. 172\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAndrews, C. (1996). Ancient Egyptian Jewellery. London: Published for the Trustees of the British Museum by British Museum Press. p. 163-165.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: The jasper inlay and original gold bezel are intact, there is a small amount of tearing to the sheet gold but overall it is in very good condition for an object of this type and age. The 18K gold shank is modern, of typical ancient design, and in excellent condition. A modern 18K gold thread with rounded knob terminals attaches the shank to the bezel. Overall, the ring presents particularly well and can be adjusted for wearing if required.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e: US ring size 8 1\/2 (UK=Q 3\/4\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e, DE=18 1\/2, JP=17 )\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBezel Provenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: J. Bowman private collection, Boston, MA., acquired in Europe between 1968 - 1972, thereafter private NYC collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32724200947783,"sku":"EJ2032","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/EJ2032_4.jpg?v=1607294552"},{"product_id":"ea2069","title":"A Royal Egyptian Glazed Steatite Cylinder Seal for King Amenemhat II, 12th Dynasty, ca. 1914-1879\/76 BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003ecarved from steatite, with traces of the original glaze remaining, particularly around the inscription that reads: \"Nubkaure [Amenemhat II, 12th Dynasty] beloved of Sobek of Sumenu\". Sumenu was the cult center of Sobek, the crocodile god of Upper Egypt, and a little south of Luxor. Cylinder seals of 12th Dynasty kings naming them and Sobek (sometimes Sobek of Sumenu, sometimes of Shedyt) are well attested. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground:\u003c\/strong\u003e Amenemhet II, was the grandson of Amenemhet I (founder of the 12th dynasty [1938–c. 1756 BCE]). He furthered Egypt’s trade relations and internal development. While he was coregent with his father, Sesostris I, Amenemhet led a gold-mining expedition to Nubia. Later, during his own reign, more expeditions went to Nubia and Sinai for gold and copper; a new mine shaft was opened in Sinai; and a trade venture was made to Punt (probably located on the African coast south of modern Ethiopia). Statues of Amenemhet have been found at several Syrian cities, and treasure of his reign discovered in a temple at Ṭawd, a town in Upper Egypt, contains gold and silver vessels of Cretan origin as well as cylinder seals from Mesopotamia, verifying foreign contacts. Within Egypt, the provincial governors continued to play key administrative roles, and fine tombs were provided for them near their hometowns. Amenemhet’s pyramid tomb, built at Dahshūr, south of Memphis, was patterned after his father’s, with a fine limestone casing built over mud-brick retaining walls and a rubble core. Near it was found the jewelry belonging to a daughter of Amenemhet, revealing the artistic heights of his reign.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ecf:  Petrie, W.M.F. \"Scarabs and Cylinders with Names\" London, 1917 page XIII,  12.3.9-11\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e:  Much of the original glazed surface lost, but still remains in the incision, otherwise intact and in very good condition overall.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e: Height: 7\/8 inches (2.2 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Private collection of M. Hansen, Wisconsin, acquired from Susette Khayat, New York, 1955-58.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hindman Auctions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32737578123335,"sku":"EA2069","price":3950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/EA2069a.jpg?v=1607918904"},{"product_id":"mx2101","title":"A Luristan Double Bell Pommel Bronze Sword, ca. 1000 - 800 BC","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis large Luristan bronze sword is an excellent example of the double bell-formed pommel style. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe plain grip and elliptical open guard with squared shoulders secure the blade firmly in position around the shoulders and on the blade. Prominent blood channels follow the length of the narrow blade that tapers regularly with almost straight cutting edges to a point. According to Muscarella, laboratory examinations have demonstrated that each sword and its added units were hand-forged and not cast as one piece, although molds were probably used as forms for the details (Moorey 1971a, 318). That each sword was individually handcrafted is indicated by the fact that although all the attributes are very close in appearance and conform to a single design, no two seem to be alike in all details, in blade and hilt sizes and shapes, in weight, or in the sizes and proportions of the component units (Spence and Needler 1955, 15; Maryon et al. 1961, 175, 182; Damien 1962, 25ff.; Lefferts 1964, 59f.; Ternbach 1964, 47ff. ; France-Lanord 1969, 78, 82).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is the austere perfection of line and proportion that makes this weapon so beautiful and so terrible. For related examples cf: Moorey, P.R.S. \"Catalogue of Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmolean Museum\", #58 \u0026amp; 59 and Muscarella, O. \"Bronze and Iron, Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art\", item #166 and Mahoubian \"Art of Ancient Iran\" (1999) item #394. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: Intact and in very good condition, a well-balanced weapon.  Presented on a museum-quality custom stand.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e: Length: 25 inches (63.5 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: ex Axel Guttmann Collection, Germany, thereafter private Virginia collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Goldberg Auctions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32782096105543,"sku":"MX2101","price":4950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/MX2101_2.jpg?v=1611005785"},{"product_id":"ea2060","title":"An Egyptian Glass Pomegranate Amulet, New Kingdom, 18th - 19th Dynasty, ca. 1350 - 1250 BCE","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCore-formed the body in dark blue, yellow and white feathered glass with a yellow collar and blue rim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublished: \u003c\/strong\u003e Christie's, London, Ancient Egyptian Glass and Faience from the 'Per-neb' Collection, Part III, 8 December 1993, lot 234.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eHeight: 5\/8 inch (1.5 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eBody still with bright, shiny surface, some pitting to the body and loss to the rim otherwise intact and in very good condition overall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance: \u003c\/strong\u003ePrivate collection, Switzerland, acquired between the 1920s to early 1940s, \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ethereafter Jacobs collection, Switzerland.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bonhams","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39272122449991,"sku":"EA2060","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/EA2060_5_4d90c886-e1b0-48fc-b37f-bf80df9bc946.jpg?v=1670253956"},{"product_id":"gp2101","title":"An East Greek Wild Goat Fragmented Vessel, Orientalizing Period, ca. 6th century BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePainted pottery was produced in many regions of East Greece, such as North and South Ionia, Aioris, Samos, and Chios, and \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003erepresents the most elaborate example of East Greek vase painting during the Orientalizing phase of the Archaic period.  The decoration employs an outline technique with figures that are freer in posture and composition and more elegant. In this example, \u003c\/span\u003ethe fragmentary body is decorated \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ein umber on buff in two registers separated by broad stripes of dark paint with\u003c\/span\u003e a frieze of grazing wild goats with high curving horns, and infilling motifs including dotted rosettes and semicircles. The lower part of the vessel is steadily occupied by a band of rays interspersed with small stars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eFor the Wild Goat Style, see, Cook, R.M. East Greek Pottery (1997), Boardman,J. Early Greek vase painting (1998) pp.141-176, Cook, R.M. \"The wild goat and Fikellura styles: some speculations\" OJA 11 (1992) pp.255-266.  Schiering,W. Werkstätten orientalisierender Keramik auf Rhodos (1957), Kardara, Ch. Rodiaki Angeiographia (1963).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: Fragmentary as shown with professional infill where required and excellent remaining decoration and polychrome.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e: Overall diameter: 10 inches (25.4 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Private collection of Curtis Brown, acquired in the 1970s, thereafter a private Virginia collection. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Richard Banks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39294300618823,"sku":"GP2101","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/GP2101.jpg?v=1617342121"},{"product_id":"rs2001","title":"A Roman Marble Winged Lion-Griffin, ca. 1st - 2nd century CE","description":"\u003cp\u003eWith its head held erect in ever-watchful alertness, hooked beak gaping wide as if screaming a warning, this griffin is the perfect visual embodiment of its fearful mythological subject. These hybrid monsters with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle were inspired in classical Greco-Roman times by the descriptions of beaked quadruped dinosaur fossils in gold deposits of Central Asia. Symbol of divine power and authority, this majestic creature comes to life, rising from its great hind legs, the powerful musculature of its body rippling with enormous strength; its front paws curled, almost relaxed, hiding deadly talons. The eagle head held aloft, cocked to the left for the bright, keen eye to better observe the viewer, the great sickle-shaped wings with their ornate pattern of incised feathers, are raised, almost touching and ready to fly. There is a handsome crest on the long neck and a pronounced rounded forelock at the top of the head. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAlthough carved in the round in white marble, the left side is unfinished and undoubtedly not intended for view, for it lacks the superb detailing and soft high sheen finish of the right. Despite this lack of definition, this complete composition signifies wealth and luxury, portraying a complex interplay of fierceness and resilient strength. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Height: 4 1\/2 inches (11.43 cm), Length: 6 inches (15.2 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Incomplete, with scattered areas of surface encrustation, losses to rear legs, front right paw, and tip of the left wing. Custom mounted on museum quality stand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Private Israeli collection assembled in the 1980s, thereafter with Sasson Gallery, Israel, 2000s, thereafter a private NYC collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39308391645255,"sku":"RS2001","price":9500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/RS2001_8_edf514d5-790d-43da-a9ba-366c1f8822cd.jpg?v=1617940246"},{"product_id":"mj2103","title":"A rare Phoenician Carved Tridacna Shell with Bird's Head, ca. 630 - 580 BCE","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis shell, carved from \u003cem\u003eTridacna squamosa\u003c\/em\u003e, a type of giant saltwater clam that flourished in the warm waters of the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, was used to carve a distinctive type of cosmetic container for a short period between the late seventh and the early sixth century BCE\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe elongated form has a deeply fluted exterior and a concave interior, the umbo (the protrusion at the top of the shell) is simply but powerfully carved in the form of a bird's head, featuring large drilled eyes on either side of a triangular beak.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eBelow the head, the natural fluted folds of the shell give the impression of the bird's widespread wings.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe sides suggest further carving was done, perhaps feet or wing feathers but it is very worn and now hard to make out.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe exterior has been smoothed and polished to bring out the natural beauty of the shell, thus resulting in a luxury item of impressive power and beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eProduced in workshops along the Syrio-Phoenician coast, these cosmetic shells were distributed as far as Susa to the east and mainland Greece to the west when flourishing trade with these cultures supplied the keen demand for foreign luxury goods. Production of these containers had a relatively short lifespan — beginning with the Assyrian withdrawal from the coast and ending with the Babylonian conquest.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eOnly about a hundred containers of this type survive with most examples found in sanctuaries of female deities, but examples are also known from female tombs on Rhodes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eCataloged into groups by archaeologist Rolf Stucky in the 1970s, engraved tridacna shells feature a wide range of motifs, including sphinxes, griffins, birds, and a variety of plants. While umbos also featured different effigies, most excavated examples are of siren’s heads; birds are much rarer and have been categorized into a special subset (Stucky 1974). Within this subset, no two excavated examples are exactly alike, making this extraordinary piece very unique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOnline Parallels: \u003c\/strong\u003e British Museum, accession number: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.britishmuseum.org\/collection\/object\/G_1852-0112-3\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.britishmuseum.org\/collection\/object\/G_1852-0112-3\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e1852,0112.3\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search\/324429\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e55.65.12\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pergamonmuseum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, accession number:  \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/artsandculture.google.com\/asset\/engraved-tridacna-shell\/0gGfk8abz31TUw\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/artsandculture.google.com\/asset\/engraved-tridacna-shell\/0gGfk8abz31TUw\"\u003eDE-MUS-815718 \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReference\u003c\/strong\u003e: Stucky, Rolf A. 1974. \"The Engraved Tridacna Shells.\" Dedalo 19. Sao Paulo, Brazil: Museo de arqueologia e etnologia universidade de Sao Paulo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBrandl, B. 2001, 'Two Engraved Tridacna Shells from Tel Miqne-Ekron', Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, 323, pp. 49-62.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFilimonos-Tsopotou, M. and Marketou, T. 2014, 'Les fouilles grecques', in Coulié, A. and Filimonos-Tsopotou, M., Rhodes, une île grecque aux portes de l’Orient, Paris, 63-75.\u003cbr\u003eFurtwängler, A. 2011, ‘Tridacna – warum nicht auch mal griechisch?’ in O. Pilz and M. Vonderstein (eds), KERAUNIA, Beiträge zu Mythos, Kult und Heiligtum in der Antike, Berlin, 33–47.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eGardner, E.A. 1888, Naukratis. Part II (Sixth Memoir of the Egypt Exploration Fund), London.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eLength: 6 1\/4 inches (15.9 cm), Width: 4 inches (10.16 cm).  Presented on a museum-quality custom mount.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eScattered areas of mineral deposits and surface encrustation and deep tan patina, with some minor edge roughness, otherwise intact and in excellent condition overall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance: \u003c\/strong\u003eEx. Ian Beckmans, Netherlands and Germany, acquired before 1980, thereafter in a private NYC collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39358847025223,"sku":"MJ2103","price":18000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/MJ2103.jpg?v=1621017022"},{"product_id":"pj2101","title":"A Narino Hammered Gold Pectoral, ca. 500 - 1000 CE","description":"For several centuries large chest-sized pectorals of gold were made in ancient Colombia in different styles. Many were plain--virtually without decoration of any sort--relying completely on shape and surface for presence and character. This circular pectoral, of heavy sheet gold, displays a simple design of six relief geometric elements and an inner and outer border of raised dots, thus providing a visually successful complement to the overall elegant simplicity.  Double perforations at the top for attachment. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e A minor 3\/8-inch linear perforation in the lower center and a few crease lines, otherwise intact and in very good condition overall.  Custom framed using museum-quality conservation materials, this object can be displayed using either an easel or on a wall.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Width: 5 1\/8 inches (13 cm), Weight:  24 grams\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Private NYC collection, acquired between 1950s-1980s, collection number recorded as: FM 841, 46.","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39405837877319,"sku":"PJ2101","price":8500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/PJ2101_3.jpg?v=1780962702"},{"product_id":"an-impressive-andesite-human-trophy-head-costa-rica-ca-1000-1500-ce","title":"An impressive Andesite Human Trophy Head, Costa Rica, ca. 1000 - 1500 CE","description":"\u003cp\u003eDisembodied human heads are ubiquitous in the Pre-Columbian iconography of Costa Rica and neighboring areas of Panama. Accounts make it clear that indigenous peoples practiced taking and displaying human heads as trophies. In this volcanic stone example, the closed eyes and slack mouth suggest death, while the close-fitting cap of geometric design may be of fiber as the form suggests twisted cords or a rattan-like material. It was thought that taking trophy heads was the direct result of warfare undertaken by warriors over conflicts about territory, material resources and\/or leadership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, there was another significant dimension to warfare—the magical and the supernatural, whereby decapitation may have been viewed as a necessary evil for combating the adverse effects of sorcery (Hoopes 2007). Usekars (wizards) were powerful religious practitioners who defended their communities against sorcery and were themselves capable of casting harmful spells. As late as the nineteenth century, the Bribri usekars of eastern Costa Rica organized revenge-motivated raiding parties to kill and decapitate other sorcerers. However decapitation occurred, the prevalence of severed heads in ancient Costa Rican art indeed indicates particular beliefs regarding the potency of the head, diminishing the vitality of the individual's larger family, and increasing that of the head-taker.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ecf: Hoopes, John W. “Sorcery and the Taking of Trophy Heads in Ancient Costa Rica.” INTERDISCIPLINARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO ARCHAEOLOGY, pp. 444–480., doi:10.1007\/978-0-387-48303-0_17. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eIntact and in excellent condition overall.  The marble display base is included with this object.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Length: 4 1\/2 inches (11.5 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mirtha Virginia de Perea (1929 - 2019) private collection of Costa Rican art. Mrs. de Perea spent her entire 48-year career with the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington, DC, achieving the rank of Cultural Minister-Counselor and Consul after having started as a secretary. She was a devoted patron of the arts, promoting numerous local artists and sponsoring many cultural events throughout her career. She also amassed an impressive collection of Latin American art. After retiring in 1999, she became a US citizen and continued her support of the arts through her membership in the Women’s Committee of the Washington National Opera and other local groups.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mirtha V. Perea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39473501274183,"sku":"PS2105","price":1750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/PS2105_2.jpg?v=1631203000"},{"product_id":"mj2124","title":"A large Persian Crescent Shaped Gold Pendant Necklace, Seljuk Period, ca. 11th - 12th century CE","description":"Of crescent form, this spectacular heavyweight hollow gold pendant is decorated on one side with three large filigree round floral elements, four small floral elements, and a triangular design at the center. It is strung as a necklace composed of twenty-eight fine ovoid gold ball beads, each bead decorated with multiple rows of intricate openwork circular decoration. Each gold bead is strung with an alternating smaller orange carnelian round bead. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e The pendant with mild denting and imperfections (mostly on the reverse), that does not distract from this impressive piece, all beads are intact and in excellent condition overall. With modern restringing, ready to wear. A truly extraordinary necklace! \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Length: 28.5 inches (72.3 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eEx. Patti Cadby Birch collection thereafter Henry Anavian, Sumer Gallery, NYC and then to family by descent.","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39583294554183,"sku":"MJ2124","price":18000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/MJ2124_2.jpg?v=1643763955"},{"product_id":"rt2008","title":"An Etruscan Terracotta Votive Head of A Goddess, ca. 4th - 3rd century BCE","description":"This lovely bust, of natural buff terracotta, is an excellent example of the awakening sophistication of Italic artists, who, over the following two centuries, fused native traditions with imported ones and gave birth to the multifaceted art of Late Republican Rome.  Sculpted lifesize, the head of a goddess is characterized by well-detailed features, her face with large, almond-shaped eyes, the full rounded lips with a slight archaic smile, she is wearing a short polos over hair styled in light waves that frame her face.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: Age cracks professionally conserved with fill and minor cosmetic overpainting, small losses to the slip at the base of the neck, overall intact and in very good condition. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e: Height: 10 inches (25.4 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Private Collection, England, acquired prior to 2000, thereafter from the Collection of Michael Minick, New York.","brand":"Hindman Auctions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39613675012167,"sku":"RT2008","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/RT2008.jpg?v=1698769264"},{"product_id":"pj2117","title":"A rare set of Chimu Silver Roundel Medallions, Early Intermediate\/Middle Horizon, ca. 500 CE","description":"Silver, associated with the nighttime world of the moon and stars, was also linked with the world of the dead. In the Andean region, the world of the dead was identified with both the ocean and the dark depths of the humid earth. In other words, life began and ended in water. These complex symbolic associations made silver the perfect material for the manufacture of personal adornments with a readily apparent ceremonial and funerary function. Objects made from gold, silver, and copper signified power, as their color, luster, and sound were considered divine. In societies like Chimú, silver was used in the attire of the nobility. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eObjects such as this extraordinary necklace accompanied members of the Chimu aristocracy to their graves and served as an emblem of their status. It comprises a set of fifteen matching silver roundel medallions, depicting a crouching deer deity, wearing a large crescent headdress, each enhanced further by the fine openwork design. Deer were associated with deities, sacrifice, rituals of the hunt, and particularly regeneration of the sun. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e One has a minor edge dent, otherwise all are intact and in excellent condition overall. Double perforations on both sides for stringing.  Restrung and presented on custom mount constructed to museum standards. Rare to find this number of matching examples in such excellent condition.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medallion diameter: 1 1\/2 inches (3.5 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Andre Emmerich Gallery, NYC; Edward Merrin Gallery, Inc., NYC, acquired in the 1970s, thereafter private NYC collection.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAndré Emmerich (1924 – 2007) was a German-born American gallerist who specialized in the color field school and pre-Columbian art while also taking on artists such as David Hockney and John D. Graham. After graduating from Oberlin College and working as a writer, he opened his gallery in 1954, specializing in leading artists working in a wide variety of styles including Abstract Expressionism, Op Art, Color field painting, Hard-edge painting, Lyrical Abstraction, Minimal Art, Pop Art and Realism, among other movements. He also specialized in and organized important exhibitions of pre-Columbian art, writing two acclaimed books, \"Art Before Columbus\" (1963) and \"Sweat of the Sun and Tears of the Moon: Gold and Silver in Pre-Columbian Art\" (1965).","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39619671916615,"sku":"PJ2117","price":17500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/PJ2117_3.jpg?v=1648832750"},{"product_id":"ax2001","title":"A rare Chinese Green-Stone Mace Head, Neolithic Period, ca. 3000 - 2000 BCE","description":"The mace-head is more than a weapon, it is a unique object that has a ritual role symbolizing one's authority and prestige. This fine example is carved from green stone, the exterior carefully hand polished, and drilled through the center for attachment to a wooden shaft.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe archaeological evidence available so far has revealed that the earliest mace-heads first appeared in the Near East about 8300–6000 BCE along with the early development and spread of agriculture. In China, mace-heads were found only in Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, and Western Shaanxi in Northwestern Chine, indicating the Western origin of this type of artifact.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: Mineral accretion throughout, but intact and in excellent condition overall. Custom mounted.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e: Diameter: 2 3\/4 inches (7 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Private upstate New York collection, acquired in the early 2000s.","brand":"Stair Galleries","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39647075139655,"sku":"AX2001","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/AX2001_.5JPG.jpg?v=1650169537"},{"product_id":"gb2202","title":"A fine Greco-Roman Bronze Ladle of Pompeian style\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eca. 1st century BCE\/CE\u003c\/em\u003e","description":"The elegant perpendicular handle features an overturned duck-headed terminal with incised facial details and a curving bill, the shallow cupped spoon with arched spurs on the rim, and incised concentric ring on the exterior.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intact and in excellent condition overall with fine green\/brown patina. Accompanied by a museum quality custom mount.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Height: 26.5 cm (10 1\/2 inches)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Private NY collection, acquired from the trade in the early 1970s.","brand":"Steve Granitz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39709090611271,"sku":"GB2202","price":4950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/GB2202_3.jpg?v=1673629890"},{"product_id":"eb2103","title":"A fine Egyptian Bronze Toilet Mirror, Middle Kingdom, ca. 1938 - 1758 BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis delicate bronze hand mirror was made in two pieces: the thin, ellipsoidal mirror disc has a tang that fits neatly into a hole in the socket handle. The wood handle is in the form of a papyrus column, perhaps the most popular shape for Egyptian mirror handles. The thin, elegant disc, once burnished to a gleaming reflective surface, now features a fine deep green\/brown patina. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe shaft of metallic mirrors were made in Egypt as early as the Old Kingdom and had function as well as religious and funerary uses. Reflecting the image of a person, the mirror disc was associated with vitality, generation, and regeneration. The shape of the papyrus stalk, so often used as a handle, points out this association together with solar, and to a lesser extent, lunar connection considering the shape and light-giving quality of the disk.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor related examples see: Anlen, Léon, and Roger Padiou Les miroirs de bronze anciens. (1989) Guy Tredaniel, Paris, France.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDayagi-Mendels, Michal Perfumes and Cosmetics in the Ancient World. (1989) The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Israel.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eInstitut du monde Arabe, Paris, , and Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Munich SOUDAN. Royaumes sur le Nil 1997 (Exhibition in Munich, Paris, Amsterdam, Toulouse, Mannheim.). Flammarion, Paris. (83, plate 89)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eKhalil, Hassan M. Preliminary Studies on the Sanusret Collection. (1976) Manuscript, Musée l’Egypte et le Monde Antique, Monaco-Ville, Monaco. ([III] 309-311)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eManniche, Lise Sacred Luxuries: Fragrance, Aromatherapy, \u0026amp; Cosmetics in Ancient Egypt. (1999) Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVandier d’Abbadie, J. Catalogue des objets de toilette égyptiens. (1972) Editions des Musées Nationaux, Paris, France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedium\u003c\/strong\u003e:  Bronze, Wood\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e With a deep green patina, the mirror is overall intact and in very good condition. The handle, originally in two pieces, was treated and professionally rejoined to museum standards and presented on a museum-quality custom mount.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Height: 8 1\/4 inches (21 cm), Mirror width: 4 1\/8 inches (10.47 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Private collection of Victor Pafundi (1949-2018), Florida, the collection assembled from the late 1970s to 1990s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Robert Pafundi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39709473407047,"sku":"EB2103","price":7500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/EB2103_5.jpg?v=1774220181"},{"product_id":"a-good-palmyrene-limestone-portrait-head-of-a-youth-ca-2nd-3rd-century-ce","title":"A good Palmyrene Limestone Portrait Head of a Youth ca. 2nd - 3rd century CE","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom a funerary relief, this beautifully carved portrait head of a young man is characteristic of the prosperous caravan city of Palmyra during the first three centuries CE. Here, he models a full head of thick wavy locks brushed forward, a light mustache is depicted by straight incised lines above contoured bow-shaped lips that offer a slight smile. In symmetrical proportions to the oval face, his small nose is straight, while his ears, protruding from his hair just a little, end in fleshy lobes. His wide, almond-shaped eyes, emphasized by incised irises, and below softly arching brows, present an elegant and delicate composition, making the eyes as a whole one of the most outstanding features of this piece.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBy the mid-first century CE, Palmyra — or \"place of the palms\"—was a wealthy and impressive city located along the caravan routes that linked the Parthian Near East with Roman-controlled Mediterranean ports. During the period of great prosperity that followed, rivaling even Antioch, the citizens of Palmyra adopted customs and modes of dress from both the Iranian Parthian world to the east and the Greco-Roman west. This blend of eastern and western elements is also present in Palmyrene art, presenting a rich range of iconographic information about these ancient people. In this sculpture, the care lavished on details of face and hair recalls the Parthian approach to figural representation that makes direct eye contact with the viewer.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Some scattered areas of encrustation, with minor restoration to the nose, and a few expected scattered edge chips that do not detract, otherwise the sculpture is intact, and in excellent condition overall. Custom mounted. A lovely example.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Height: 9 inches (22.5 cm), Mounted height: 14 inches (35.5 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Private New York City collection, acquired from the trade in the early 2000s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39751329022023,"sku":"MS2202","price":25000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/MS2202_2.jpg?v=1765037347"},{"product_id":"a-fine-luristan-bronze-short-sword-ca-1200-800-bce","title":"A fine Luristan Bronze Short Sword, ca. 1200 - 800 BCE","description":"This very fine bronze short sword was cast using the lost wax process, the double edge blade with square shoulders tapering to a sharp point, that joins a rectangular guard with a triple ring grip and crescent pommel. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e For related examples see: Moorey PRS, “Catalogue of Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmolean Museum” (1971) pg. 80, fig. 56.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minor blade edge roughness portraying ancient usage, with beautiful overall deep blue-green patina and areas of encrustation.  The sword is intact and in excellent condition overall. A top-quality, beautiful example.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Length: 18 3\/8 inches (46.67 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: The Sheldon and Barbara Breitbart Collection of Ancient Art, ex. Christie's, NYC, Sale 8206 (1992), lot 186.","brand":"Steve Granitz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39762142036039,"sku":"MX2202","price":12000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/MX2202_2.jpg?v=1660744441"},{"product_id":"a-rare-egyptian-copper-dagger-middle-kingdom-9th-11th-dynasty-ca-2160-2030-bce","title":"A rare Egyptian Copper Dagger\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMiddle Kingdom, 9th - 11th Dynasty, ca. 2160 - 2030 BCE\u003c\/em\u003e","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA rare, handsome weapon, the tapering double-edged copper blade with raised midrib and high shoulders.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eCarved from wood, the short, wide handle is fastened to the broad top of the blade and shaped to fit comfortably into the palm of the hand.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eIt is decorated with a linear pattern of alternating vertical striations of gold and blue around the circumference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground:\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIn the early Dynastic Period dagger blades changed from flint to copper, and in the New Kingdom from copper to bronze. \u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eFor hand-to-hand fighting and dispatching a wounded enemy, Egyptian soldiers of the Middle Kingdom were equipped with a club or light axe and frequently a dagger that freely hung from the front of their belt.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eDaggers are usually freely hung from belts, although burial sites have found some sheaths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mark, Joshua J. \"Weapons in Ancient Egypt.\" Ancient History Encyclopedia. http:\/\/www.ancient.eu\/article\/1035\/.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHayes, William C. The Scepter of Egypt: Part I. Hary N. Abrams, Inc (1953), 283-284.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eLength: 10 5\/8 inches (27 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eIntact and in good condition overall with mineral deposits to the blade and handle, and loss to the polychrome.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe blade has been analyzed for content and tests at 97% copper.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eA copy of the report will be provided with the object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance: \u003c\/strong\u003eEx. private collection of C. Spies, Cologne, Germany, acquired between 1960-1970, thereafter private Californian collection. Early collection number: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e389-2055 in white ink marked below the handle.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Steve Granitz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39768067014727,"sku":"EX2203","price":25000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/EX2203_aa0ffa0c-cbcc-44ab-9f75-1d8819104010.jpg?v=1661127894"},{"product_id":"a-rare-pair-of-apulian-bronze-ankle-greaves-ca-5th-4th-century-bce","title":"A rare pair of Apulian bronze Ankle Greaves, \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eca. 5th - 4th century BCE\u003c\/em\u003e","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOf Apulian type, each greave hammered from a leaf-shaped sheet of bronze, contoured to the length of the heel, the back rising to mid-calf with three carinations, a central vertical ridge, and two flanking curvilinear ridges moulded to protect the Achilles tendon from slashing blows.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eEmbossed on each inner side in a teardrop shape to mould over the inner ankle bone (the \u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003emalleolus medialis\u003c\/i\u003e), with a less defined but larger rounded outer side for the outer ankle bone (the \u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003emalleolus lateralis\u003c\/i\u003e).\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe front tapering to rounded edges was held together by lacing through the eyelets on either side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMuch rarer than shin greaves, ankle greaves were not always worn by Greek warriors.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eFewer than fifty have been discovered in the past 150 years, according to Dietrich von Bothmer, The Metropolitan Museum of Art's chairman of the Department of Greek and Roman Art.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eFurther, the vast majority of Apulian figure ware omits ankle greave imagery, depicting only the shin greaves.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eInterestingly, the Greek hero Achilles was killed at Troy by an arrow to the heel, the only vulnerable part of his body.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eBecause of this myth, and how revered Achilles was by the Greeks, one would think ankle greaves would be more popular among warriors. The fact that they are so rare indicates they were reserved for warriors of extreme importance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCf: Dietrich von Bothmer, \"Armorial Adjuncts\": Metropolitan Museum Journal, v. 24 (1989).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eHeight: 10 inches (25.4 cm), Width: 6 inches (15.24 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eIntact and in excellent condition overall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance: \u003c\/strong\u003ePrivate German collection, previously from the collection of Axel Guttman (1944 - 2001), Berlin, acquired in the 1980s, thereafter private Californian collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Steve Granitz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43656534851887,"sku":"GX2202","price":22000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/GB2202_03516615-30f3-42c3-8a98-a7b4c6b417f6.jpg?v=1666299084"},{"product_id":"a-superb-moche-chimu-silvered-pectoral-ca-800-1250-ce","title":"A superb Moche-Chimu Silvered Pectoral, ca. 800 - 1250 CE","description":"\u003cp\u003eFinely wrought pectorals (chest ornaments) have been excavated at Chimu sites, and Moche ceramic vessels depict dignitaries wearing such collars.  This superb example comprises thirteen large silvered-copper pendants of long tapered forms, each decorated with a repousse head of a chief wearing earspools and a large crescent-form headdress.  Every one of the matching pendants is perforated through the top and bottom edges for suspension. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pectoral’s bimetallic composition bears testament to the metallurgical and mechanical achievements of the Chimu artists.  Joining silver to copper required expert knowledge of alloys, melting temperatures, welding techniques, and specialized construction methods.  In nature, silver is not easily found in its pure metallic state, so great skill and technical knowledge is required for its processing.  \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eIn Andean cosmology, gold and silver were considered to be divine so such a collar would have underscored the wearer’s control over resources, from the imported materials to the labor needed to create this fine work, and featured, no doubt, as part of the attire for an ancient Peruvian leader.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: Eight have minor imperfections, five with larger losses that do not detract. Overall, the pectoral is in very good condition and presented on an outstanding museum quality custom mount.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each pendant length: 4 inches (10.16 cm), Width: 1 5\/8 inches at the widest point (4.12 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Edward H. Merrin Gallery Inc., NYC., acquired from Andre Emmerich, NYC, 1960s - 1970s.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAndre Emmerich (1924 – 2007) was a German-born American gallerist who specialized in the color field school and pre-Columbian art while also taking on artists such as David Hockney and John D. Graham. After graduating from Oberlin College and working as a writer, he opened his gallery in 1954, specializing in leading artists working in a wide variety of styles including Abstract Expressionism, Op Art, Color field painting, Hard-edge painting, Lyrical Abstraction, Minimal Art, Pop Art and Realism, among other movements. He also specialized in and organized important exhibitions of pre-Columbian art, writing two acclaimed books, \"Art Before Columbus\" (1963) and \"Sweat of the Sun and Tears of the Moon: Gold and Silver in Pre-Columbian Art\" (1965).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43734323200303,"sku":"PJ2116","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/PJ2116.jpg?v=1668006585"},{"product_id":"rt2203","title":"An Etruscan Terracotta Antefix, ca. 6th century BCE","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn the form of a half-sized head of a man with black curls along the forehead and fine, pointed features. The delicately outlined almond-shaped eyes with dark pupils, high arched brows, high cheekbones, pointed nose, the full lips set in an archaic smile.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDuring the Archaic period, the workshops at Caere (modern Cerveteri) in southern Etruria produced a large number of architectural terracottas (friezes, covering plaques, acroteria, and antefixes) designed to decorate sacred buildings. Etruscan temples were largely built from perishable materials: wood, bricks, or blocks of tuff for the superstructure; stone for the base.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eAntefixes, painted bright and garish colors, were placed at the ends of the roof tiles to decorate the plain structures, covering up the wooden beams and, perhaps more importantly, protecting them from the elements.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eTerracotta was the favored material as it was cheap to make and easily replaceable. Additionally, antefixes were a spiritual prophylactic against the evil eye and other malevolent influences (the Gorgon head motif was particularly popular in order to scare away such spirits).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCf: David M. Robinson, “Etruscan-Campanian Antefixes and Other Terracottas from Italy at the Johns Hopkins University,” American Journal of Archaeology, Vol. 27, No. 1 (January - March 1923), pp. 3 - 4.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:  \u003c\/strong\u003eHeight: 6 3\/4 inches (17.2 cm), Width: 5 1\/2 inches (13.4 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:  Pigment\u003c\/strong\u003e losses as shown, especially to the top right side of the head, otherwise intact and in good condition overall.  Custom mounted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:  \u003c\/strong\u003eHótel Drouot, Paris, 12 October 1991, Lot 143.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hindman Auctions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44377393955119,"sku":"RT2203","price":7500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/RT2203_15.jpg?v=1782331564"},{"product_id":"an-east-greek-silver-phiale-archaic-period-ca-6th-century-bce","title":"An East Greek Silver Phiale (Libation Bowl), Archaic Period, ca. 6th century BCE","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis fine silver vessel is known as a phiale, an ancient Greek term for such broad, shallow bowls. Its origins lie in Achaemenid Persia, and this bowl demonstrates the interaction between Greek and Achaemenid forms well. Used for drinking or pouring libations, it has a carinated or ridged shoulder, a turned-out rim, and a band of radiating petals on the underside. In the center of the bowl is a shallow raised boss that allowed the phiale to be held more easily in one hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"p1\"\u003eUsually referred to by the Greek term omphalos, it represented the navel of the world, believed to be a large sacred hemispherical stone located at the sanctuary of Delphi. The vessel was made by raising and sinking a single sheet of metal, then adding chased details, a method employed for most Achaemenid metalware. Previously largely unknown in the archaic Greek tradition, it is possibly the most long-lived contribution of Achaemenid toreutic to the Greek repertoire, thus becoming a permanent, if not a universal, component. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"p1\"\u003eFor a related example, see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search\/255683\" title=\"Silver phiale (libation bowl)\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e1980.11.13\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:  \u003c\/strong\u003eDiameter: 6 3\/8 inches (16.19 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:  \u003c\/strong\u003eTwo cracks at the shoulder, with slight denting and overall surface wear, otherwise the vessel is intact and in very good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:  \u003c\/strong\u003ePrivate London collection, acquired on the London Art Market in 1990.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hindman Auctions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44406247883055,"sku":"GV2201","price":5750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/GV2201_2_014111f5-4b7d-45a5-b99f-93ae603ac2d4.jpg?v=1743116104"},{"product_id":"an-important-persian-eye-agate-pectoral-parthian-period-ca-1st-century-bce-1st-century-ce","title":"An Important Persian Eye Agate Pectoral, Parthian Period, ca. 1st century BCE - 1st century CE","description":"This exceptional pectoral was most probably worn directly on the chest to display the power, wealth, and divinity of its ancient owner. Indicating high social status, it well demonstrates the sophisticated skill of artisans within the cosmopolitan Parthian empire. Of rounded form, the pectoral features a prominent central eye agate, imbued, it was believed, with protective powers to ward off the evil eye and shield the wearer from illness and death. This agate has been carefully drilled across the center, and a small gold pin intricately runs the length of the stone in order to set it within a heavy, high-karat gold bezel. The bezel is finely edged with granulation, and embellished with five cabochon teardrop garnets, five cabochon rounded garnets, and one red glass cabochon, the latter no doubt a replacement in ancient times, for a lost garnet. Skillfully arranged between these gemstones are eleven raised gold bosses, all with granulation at the base. There are two suspension loops at the back for attachment.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe form of the pectoral and the method of inlaying are characteristic of Parthian jewelry, with such objects usually dating between the 1st and 3rd centuries. For a less elaborate example set as part of a necklace, see British Museum, object #W_1965-0215-1, https:\/\/www.britishmuseum.org\/collection\/object\/W_1965-0215-1. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe pectoral is intact and in excellent condition overall.  One of the garnet inlays replaced with glass in antiquity, and two small chips to the central agate professionally restored.  A large, unique and truly stunning example.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e: Length: 2 3\/4 inches (7.2 cm), Width: 2 5\/8 inches (6.6 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Private Australian collection acquired from the London trade in the early 1960s, thence by descent, thereafter private Virginia collection.","brand":"Peter Lane","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44436660683055,"sku":"MJ2005","price":75000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/MJ2005.jpg?v=1675631228"},{"product_id":"a-large-roman-legionnaire-pugio-dagger-roman-imperial-ca-2nd-3rd-century-ce","title":"A large Roman Legionnaire Pugio (Dagger), Roman Imperial, ca. 2nd - 3rd century CE","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis very large, impressive pugio (dagger) is hand forged from iron, and features the characteristic pronounced curved blade and a longitudinal channel on both sides defining a rib. Daggers, such as this example, would have carried an entirely organic grip of wood and a pommel most probably of bone. Such daggers have been found at German frontier forts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLike the gladius (Roman short sword), the pugio is of Spanish origin, acclimated for Roman use. Usually of bronze or iron, it was sometimes highly decorated with ornate decorations of silver or gold with red enamel inlay on the scabbard and sometimes the hilt. It would have been hung on one of two military belts, or \u003cem\u003ecingulum\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003emilitare,\u003c\/em\u003e worn around the hips, the other holding the gladius on the opposite hip, a practice begun during the reign of Augustus. The pugio ceased to be issued at the end of the 1st century, but a larger form re-emerged during the 3rd century such as this example. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ecf: Coulston, J. C., Bishop, M. C. (1989). Roman Military Equipment. United Kingdom: Shire, pgs 163-165 fig. 104.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublished\u003c\/strong\u003e: J. Eisenberg, Art of the Ancient World, 2010, no. 110.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e:  Intact and in excellent condition overall. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e: Height: 18 1\/8 inches (46 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: collection of Axel Guttmann (1944-2001), Berlin, acquired in Munich in the 1990's, thereafter private Californian collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Steve Granitz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44664225988911,"sku":"RX2213","price":20000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/RX2213_9.png?v=1781137490"},{"product_id":"an-exhibited-egyptian-green-serpentine-heart-scarab-26th-dynasty-ca-664-525-bce","title":"An Exhibited Egyptian Green Serpentine Heart Scarab, 26th Dynasty, ca. 664 - 525 BCE","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"973\" data-start=\"241\"\u003eCarved from a rich green serpentine and hand polished to a soft luster, this large heart scarab captures the power and elegance of one of ancient Egypt’s most enduring symbols of rebirth. Representing Khepri, the scarab-headed god of the rising sun, the form is modeled after the sacred Scarabaeus sacer beetle. The sculptor has given careful attention to detail: the five-notched clypeus shows the deeply carved head and eyes, while the prothorax and wing cases (elytrae) are neatly divided by fine incisions. Even the tibiae, drawn close beneath the body, are delicately indicated. The result is a beautifully balanced, symmetrical scarab with refined proportions and a surface that still gleams after more than three thousand years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1455\" data-start=\"975\"\u003eHeart scarabs were treasured objects in Egyptian funerary practice. Placed over the heart, they were believed to safeguard the soul and assist in resurrection, tying the individual’s destiny to the eternal cycle of the sun. Their association with Khepri, who each day rolled the sun into the sky, made them powerful talismans of renewal. The absence of a longitudinal perforation, typical of these large examples, further confirms its ritual function rather than use as jewelry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1946\" data-start=\"1457\"\u003eThis particular scarab is not only a superb example in terms of scale and condition, but it also comes with a distinguished exhibition history. It was \u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003eexhibited at the Worcester Art Museum in the acclaimed exhibition \u003cem\u003e\"Jewels of the Nile: Ancient Egyptian Treasures from the Worcester Art Museum\"\u003c\/em\u003e (June 2022–January 2023), catalogued as object E.19.22 (EGY.42), with \u003c\/span\u003eloan number L173. Its presence in such an important show underscores both its artistic merit and its cultural resonance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1946\" data-start=\"1457\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReferences\u003c\/strong\u003e: Andrews, Carol, 1994. Amulets of Ancient Egypt, chapter 4: Scarabs for the living and funerary scarabs, University of Texas Press, pp 50-59\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ecf: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number 15.3.217. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExhibited June 2022 - January, 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e: Worcester Art Museum \"Jewels of the Nile\", Object E.19.22 (EGY.42), loan number: L173\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: The scarab is intact and in excellent condition overall. An exceptional example.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e:  Length: 1 7\/8 inches (4.7 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Private Boston collection acquired from the trade in 1997 and accompanied by a copy of the original purchase invoice and dealer issued certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yvonne Markowitz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44667637432623,"sku":"EA2301","price":12000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/EA2301.jpg?v=1678519523"},{"product_id":"copy-of-a-chinese-painted-pottery-court-lady-tang-dynasty-br-em-ca-mid-8th-century-ce-em","title":"A large Chinese Painted Pottery Court Lady, Tang Dynasty, \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eca. mid 8th century CE\u003c\/em\u003e","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the most iconic and desired of all Tang ceramic types, a charming terracotta court lady with a \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003esensitively modeled face of pinkish flesh tones, red lips, and black highlighting eyes and brows. She stands on an integral base, dressed in long-sleeved, \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eflowing robes that emphasize the fluid folds and pleats of her gown, thus providing a sense of grace and dynamism to her voluptuous figure.  \u003c\/span\u003eThe robe covers her left foot, but her tiny right foot, \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eencased within a small upturned shoe, \u003c\/span\u003epeeps from the hem of her gown. She holds both her hands in front of her with her right hand lightly fisted. Her hair is dressed into an elaborate \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ecoiffure\u003c\/span\u003e, and tied into a knot at the top. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Tang sculptors’ careful attention to fashion and physiognomy details allows us to trace in their works the changing fashions of ladies at court during this period. Models of court ladies made in the early part of the Tang dynasty depict them wearing tight-fitting garments that accentuated their slender forms.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, the reign of Emperor Xuanzong (reigned 712-756) seems to have heralded the growth in popularity of a more generous female form and the adoption of less structured, more flowing robes. This shift in aesthetic tastes is thought to have been influenced by the Emperor's favorite concubine, Yang Guifei (719 - 756), known as one of the four great beauties of ancient China, and whose curvaceous physique was legendary. Yet, excavated figures suggest the fashion was already coming to prominence by the time Yang Guifei won the emperor’s admiration. Dressed in elegant clothes with their hair arranged in elaborate coiffures, and their faces beautified with cosmetics, these aristocratic Tang women figures possess a singular grace and charm. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ecf: Jan Fontein and Tung Wu, \u003cem\u003eUnearthing China’s Past\u003c\/em\u003e (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1973), pp. 174-175, no. 89 (46cm high) and fig. 90. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDiao Shi Ru Sheng: \u003cem\u003eGugong Cang Sui Tang Taoyong (Carved and Clothed as if Alive: Sui and Tang Dynasty Tomb Figurines in the Collection of the Gugong Museum)\u003c\/em\u003e, Forbidden City press, Beijing, 2006, no. 44, p. 98\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBower, V.,\u003cem\u003e From Court to Caravan: Chinese Tomb Sculptures from the Collection of Anthony M. Solomon,\u003c\/em\u003e Harvard University Art Museums, Cambridge, Mass. 2002, no.33, p.112\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJames C.Y. Watt and Prudence Oliver Harper (ed.), \u003cem\u003eChina: Dawn of a Golden Age,\u003c\/em\u003e 200-750 AD (New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2004), pp. 310-11, nos. 202 A and B.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eZhou, Xun and Gao, Chunming, 5000 Years of Chinese Costumes, Hong Kong, 1984, pl. 178, p. 99\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiao Shi Ru Sheng: Gugong Cang Sui Tang Taoyong (Carved and Clothed as if Alive: Sui and Tang Dynasty Tomb Figurines in the Collection of the Gugong Museum), Forbidden City press, Beijing, 2006, no. 41, p. 95\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e  Modeled from reddish-colored clay, with excellent remaining white pigment, delicate red, pink, and black highlights, with possible light cosmetic touchup. Left hand missing, else complete and in very good condition overall. Just charming! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eHeight: 18 1\/2 inches (47 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e  \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Private collection of Dr. Edmund Bourke, Yonkers, NY, acquired from Fernando Flores \u0026amp; Iva Antiques, NYC around 2010, item # CH89B.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44814670692655,"sku":"AT2201","price":7500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/AT2201_8.jpg?v=1680572611"},{"product_id":"mx2205","title":"A rare Near Eastern Bronze Crescent Axehead, ca. 1100 - 900 BCE","description":"This distinctive type of crescentic axehead with a blade of bronze has often been reported from Luristan, where they appear to have been used primarily from about ca. 1100 to 900 BCE and is ultimately of Elamite or possibly Mesopotamian origin. Their decoration associates them directly with the spike-butted axes and adzes in use there at the same time. With this example, the short cylindrical shaft-hole is ridged at intervals and has a crouching lion rendered in the round along the burr. The transition from shaft hole to the blade is modeled as a full-faced lion's head with prominent angular eye ridges and open jaws from which emerge a fan of stylized feathers. It has been suggested the latter is the final vestige of a representation of the Sumerian lion-headed eagle Imdugud.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ecf: Moorey, P.R.S. \"Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Adam collection\" (London, 1974), page 43-45.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e:  Professionally cleaned and stabilized revealing a fine red-brown surface with remaining areas of blue-green patina. Light pitting to the blade that does not detract, otherwise intact and in very good condition overall.  Displayed on a custom lucite base.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e: Height: 7 5\/8 inches (19.36 cm), Width: 4 inches (10.16 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Private Californian collection, acquired from Sands of Time in 2013, previously a private NYC collection, acquired from Royal Athena Gallery, NYC., 1980s.","brand":"Steve Granitz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44844682936623,"sku":"MX2205","price":8000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/MX2205_4.jpg?v=1680999061"},{"product_id":"dagger","title":"A rare Egyptian Epsilon Copper Battle Axe, Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 11- 12, ca. 2040 - 1786 BCE","description":"A one-handed weapon, the other hand being occupied by a shield, this thin wide-edged blade was classed by Petrie as 'edged fighting baton'. In the form of the Greek letter epsilon, it is a slashing axe designed to inflict a swiping cut on an enemy. The axe has three pointed tangs forming two open scallops in the blade, creating a sharp outside edge with a dull and reinforced inside edge. The tangs would have been connected to a wooden shaft.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCf. Petrie, W.M.F. Tools \u0026amp; Weapons (London, 1917), pl. VI, no. 164;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: The axe is intact and in very good condition overall. Presented on a museum-quality mount.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e: Length: 5 1\/8 inches (13 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Private collection of the late S. Dubiner, a well-known collection of ancient arms, excavated in Egypt in the 1950's, private Virginia collection, then private Californian collection.","brand":"Steve Granitz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44896359809327,"sku":"EX2209","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/products\/EX2209_2.jpg?v=1681647836"},{"product_id":"an-exhibited-egyptian-faience-broad-collar-necklace-late-old-kingdom-ca-2345-2181-bce","title":"An Exhibited Egyptian Faience Broad Collar Necklace, Late Old Kingdom, ca. 2345–2181 BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe most frequently represented item of jewelry throughout Egyptian history was the broad or \u003cem\u003eweskhet\u003c\/em\u003e collar, worn by both genders as well as anthropomorphic deities.   At Giza alone, George Reisner found nineteen such collars in tombs of both men and women. In addition, brightly painted broad collars are represented on statuary and reliefs of deities, royalty, and wealthy private individuals from the Old Kingdom through Roman times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exceptionally rare collar consists of three rows of densely spaced cylinder beads ranging from pale cream, green, blue and black glazed faience. Strung in an upright position, they are defined by rows of small ring beads, separated by two horizontal spacer elements that run the length of the necklace.  Completing the collar is a bottom row of glazed faience beetle-shaped pendants; individual examples of these beads are very rare and sets from the same collar are quite unique.  Two original end-piece terminals of triangular shape have holes to accommodate the bead rows and a hole at the point allowing the collar to be threaded for tying around the neck.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExhibited:  \u003c\/strong\u003eJewels of the Nile: Ancient Egyptian Treasures from the Worcester Art Museum, June 18, 2022 – January 8, 2023\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003e Height: 9 inches, (22.8 cm) Width: 11.5 inches (29 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003e  Outer hole cracked and small loss to adjoining tip on both terminals, the beads are all intact and restrung using conservation quality thread.  All components of this necklace are original, there are no reproduction elements.  An exceptionally rare and superb example!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance: \u003c\/strong\u003e  Old NY collection, thereafter private Swedish collection from mid-1990s, also Ernest Freemark collection, acquired 1913 - 1915 thereafter R. Knickerbocker collection, NY, and by descent.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lauritz Auctions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45043287261487,"sku":"EJ1610","price":75000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/EJ1610-A_f1984ae4-b989-4905-a9ec-b6161133a53b.jpg?v=1683608874"},{"product_id":"ea23147","title":"An Egyptian Red Jasper Trussed Ox Amulet, New Kingdom, ca. 1550 - 1069 BCE","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCarved in the round, a fat trussed ox with its legs tightly bound beneath its body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAmulets of trussed oxen are part of a category of Egyptian amulets in the form of earthly possessions, many of which depict funerary offerings, \"intended to keep the various spirit forms which survived death eternally supplied with essential food and drink even if actual supplies had ceased to be presented at the burial place\" (\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAndrews, Carol, 1994. Amulets of Ancient Egypt. Austin: University of Texas\u003c\/span\u003e, p. 91). For a similar example see Andrews, p. 92, pl. 92c.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDimensions:  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLength: 1 inch (2.5 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCondition:  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eChip to one side of the snout, otherwise intact and in good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eProvenance:  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eStewart Giles (1951-1993) private collection, acquired in London between 1978 and 1982, then by family descent.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Frank Fasano","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45331660964143,"sku":"EA23147","price":2750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/EA23147.jpg?v=1686175638"},{"product_id":"as2101","title":"A Chinese Grey Limestone Head of a Buddha, Shandong Province, Northern Qi dynasty, ca. 550 - 577 CE","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe serene meditative expression of this sculpture, rendered through the sensitive carving style and harmonious curves, epitomizes the high quality achieved by stone carvers in the Qi Dynasty. \u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe oval face is accentuated with downcast eyes below gracefully arched eyebrows, the serene countenance centered with a pronounced long nose, above a bow-shaped mouth, the lips tenderly lifted at the corners in a beatific smile, and framed by a pair of long pendulous earlobes beneath hair neatly arranged in tight snail-shell curls over a subtle ushnisha, the mark of the Buddha’s transcendent wisdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eIn the middle of the sixth century, many Indians and Persians were living in China, and Turks, who traveled on horseback through Central Asia to Persia (modern Iran), were in power north of the Great Wall. These influences transformed the figures at the enormous complex of Buddhist cave temples at North XiangtangShan from the linear abstraction of the Northern Wei style to a more rounded, three-dimensional one. This head may have belonged to a seated image of the Buddha. An almost geometric simplicity differentiates the sculpture from its Indian and Central Asian sources. The crisp, direct carving and almost mathematical perfection of this work is similar to those of images remaining at the site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor related example see: Metropolian Museum of Art, accession number 2001.422.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe museum notes: This head probably comes from Shandong or Hebei province. Many comparable examples were unearthed from the ruins of temples in Qingzhou, Shandong, in 1996, and in Linzhang, Hebei, in 2012.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:  \u003c\/strong\u003eHeight: 7 1\/4 inches (18.7 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:  \u003c\/strong\u003eThe head is intact and in excellent condition overall, with a particularly good archeological surface that has not been over-cleaned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:  \u003c\/strong\u003ePrivate Las Vegas, NV collection\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sands of Time Ancient Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45403552940335,"sku":"AS2101","price":14950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/AS2101_20.jpg?v=1781136816"},{"product_id":"ea2386","title":"A good Egyptian Greenstone Heart Scarab, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe scarab’s association with the daily rebirth of the young sun god, Khepri, gave the beetle a prominent role in funerary contexts. In this example, the body conforms to the usual \u003cem\u003escarabaeus\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003esacer\u003c\/em\u003e; the eyes and head are carved on the five-notched shield (clypeus). The first segment of the upper body (prothorax) and wings (elytrae) are separated by incised lines, while the legs (tibiae) to the side, are tucked underneath the body. As is to be expected, this heart scarab has no borehole and is uninscribed on the base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground:\u003c\/strong\u003e The heart scarab, which first appears in Dynasty XIII, played an important role in the funerary accessories of the deceased. Not only was it the medium for magical text, it was also a symbol of self-generation and rebirth. It provided the deceased wearer with the assurance that at the final judgment, he would be found \"true of voice\" and accepted into the eternal afterlife under the rule of the god Osiris. Many heart scarabs bear part or all of what is known as Chapter 30B from the Book of the Dead; a prayer to the heart of Isis, who was the mother of the deceased, not to bear false witness against the deceased when he is being judged before Osiris. The Book of the Dead also instructs that the heart scarab be made of the \u003cem\u003enemhef\u003c\/em\u003e-stone, which has been identified as green jasper, serpentine, or basalt, and be set in a gold chase suspended from the neck. It appears the stone was chosen not only for its greenish color, which symbolized life, health, and regeneration but also for its weight. The heart could not weigh more than the feather of Maat, so a heart scarab of just the right heft would work in favor of the deceased. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReference\u003c\/strong\u003e: Andrews, Carol, Amulets of Ancient Egypt, chapter 4: Scarabs for the living and funerary scarabs, University of Texas Press (1994), pp 50-59.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:  \u003c\/strong\u003eHeight: 1 1\/8 inches (2.7 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:  \u003c\/strong\u003eIntact and in excellent condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:  \u003c\/strong\u003ePrivate Maryland collection of a diplomat, acquired while serving in Egypt between 1949 and 1956, and then by descent.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sands of Time Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45519968993583,"sku":"EA2386","price":2995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/EA2386.jpg?v=1687469510"},{"product_id":"a-royal-egyptian-glazed-steatite-scarab-for-ahmose-ii-dynasty-26-ca-570-526-bce","title":"A Royal Egyptian Glazed Steatite Scarab for Amasis II, Dynasty 26, ca. 570 – 526 BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003ePierced longitudinally for suspension, the scarab is finely carved from steatite then glazed and fired to a soft green, the back has a single suture and pronotum lines with markings on the elytra. The legs are naturalistically carved and deeply incised. The base is inscribed “Khnemibre,” the prenomen of Amasis (Ahmose) II of Dynasty 26, whose reign marks the high point of the 26th Dynasty in terms of wealth and prosperity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe last great ruler of Egypt before the Persian conquest, Amasis II (Ahmose) brought Egypt closer to Greece. Under his prudent administration, Egypt's agricultural-based economy reached its zenith. Amasis adorned the temples of Lower Egypt, especially with splendid monolithic shrines and other monuments. He assigned the Greeks the commercial colony of Naucratis on the Canopic branch of the Nile. When the temple of Delphi was burnt, he contributed 1,000 talents to the rebuilding. He also married a Greek princess named Ladice, daughter of King Battus III and made alliances with Polycrates of Samos and Croesus of Lydia. Montaigne cites the story by Herodotus that Ladice cured Amasis of his impotence by praying to Venus\/Aphropdite.   Under Amasis, Herodotus writes:\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt is said that it was during the reign of Ahmose II (Amasis) that Egypt attained its highest level of prosperity both in respect of what the river gave the land and in respect of what the land yielded to men and that the number of inhabited cities at that time reached in total 20,000.\u003c\/em\u003e (Herodotus, (II, 177, 1)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: Some wear to the base, but otherwise intact and in excellent condition overall.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e: Length: 1.1 cm (0.43 inches)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Private Massachusetts collection, acquired from the London trade in the late 1980s - early 1990s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yvonne Markowitz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45566539989295,"sku":"EA2310","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/EA2310_9.jpg?v=1687820025"},{"product_id":"a-fine-egyptian-faience-janus-amulet-of-pataikos-late-period-ca-664-332-bce","title":"A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA particularly finely worked green glazed composition amulet representing the god Pataikos, the bandy-legged dwarf shown naked with large janus head, both faces with \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003efinely drawn brows, defined eyes with pronounced cosmetic lines, and a cheerful smile.  Shown with his \u003c\/span\u003ehands resting on \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eeither side of his protruding midriff, an \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eincised suspension loop at the back, the complete composition attests to the delicacy of the craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePataikos is a dwarf god with apotropaic functions who was very popular with the people and exclusively used in amulet form.  A protector from danger and possessing affinities with Bes and Horus the child (Harpocrates), he is so-named from a passage in Herodotus in which the Greek writer likens the statue of Hephaistos (Ptah) in Memphis to the figures of dwarves that adorned the prows of Phoenician triremes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a related example see Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY accession #\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search\/552073\" title=\"Pataikos\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e90.6.96\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003e very well executed with fine and detailed modeling of the body; pale green glaze well preserved; both lower legs and feet missing, loss of one ear, loss of fingers to the right hand, and minor chips to face and body.   Custom mounted on original 19th\/early 20th-century bobbin mount. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e  Height without mount:\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e2 1\/2 inches (6.3 cm). Height with mount:  4 1\/4\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ein (10.75 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance: \u003c\/strong\u003e Late 19th\/early 20th century English collection, then by descent.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  The amulet\u003c\/span\u003e remains on the original antique mount.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mark Regan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46673650286895,"sku":"EA2066","price":7500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/EA2066_8b.jpg?v=1692392877"},{"product_id":"a-rare-luristan-silver-master-of-animals-finial-ca-8th-century-bce","title":"A Rare Luristan Silver Master of Animals Finial, ca. 8th century BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis fine openwork finial, cast using the lost wax method, comprises a figural register in a heavy square frame supported by a hollow shank. The top of the shank is defined by a pair of concentric ribs, between which a small loop, perhaps for a suspension chain, extends from the left. A long iron pin, separately made, extended up to the top of the shank but is now missing. The inside border of the frame is embellished with herringbone hatching. As the reverse is plain, it is clear that only the front was meant to be seen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis pin type represents but one iconographical variety of a large group of openwork examples manufactured in Luristan.  The central figure in the scene is a fantastic creature, a demon, represented by its head and tubular body that rests on a stylized lion mask. Within the round head, its eyes are rendered as round pupils, there is a long nose and a vertical line to represent the small mouth. Long, inward-curving horns merge with the nose, border the eyes then project around the top of the head. Two inverted, stylized leonine creatures flank the demon who holds each by their tails. They have elongated heads with large round eyes, pronounced ears, and curled tails. Rosettes are positioned on their backs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpen-cast pins depicting either a mistress or master of animals are one of the most characteristic forms among the Luristan bronzes (Moorey 1971a, 20off.; see Nos. 285-287) but are very rare to be found in silver. The iconography occurs on many pins but it is not limited to them, for, among other items, it is of course characteristic of the classic Luristan finials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor related examples in bronze see:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA. Aja, Openwork Pin Head, Harvard Art Museum Handbook, ed. S. Wolohojian (Cambridge, MA, 2008) 8.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eP. R. S. Moorey, Catalogue of the Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmolean Museum (Oxford, 1971) 200 and 206, nos. 351-52, pl. 55; and\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eP. R. S. Moorey et al., Ancient Bronzes, Ceramics, and Seals: The Nasli M. Heeramaneck Collection of Ancient Near Eastern, Central Asiatic, and European Art (Los Angeles, 1981) 73-75, nos. 357-61.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLos Angeles County Museum of Art: http:\/\/collections.lacma.org\/node\/226013\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e The separately made iron pin now missing with slight damage to the top left corner, that does not detract.  Otherwise, the finial is intact and in excellent condition overall, a rare and fine example. Accompanied by a museum-quality custom mount.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e: H: 2 3\/4\" (6.98 cm), W: 2 3\/8\" (6.03 cm)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: The Sheldon and Barbara Breitbart Collection of Ancient Art, NYC acquired from Charles Ede, London,1972\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arte Primitivo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46674714132783,"sku":"MS1555","price":9500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/MS1555_7.jpg?v=1692395568"},{"product_id":"da001","title":"An Exhibited Vampire Slayer Dagger with Sheath, 19th - early 20th century","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe silver-styled blade is of elongated triangular form with a groove on either side and foliate engraving at the base. The carved resin handle with a two-toned swirl grip. The brown leather sheath with a silver end cap and silver sheet around the opening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUntil the early 20th century, many people believed vampire stories were true. Across cultures and continents, the powers of vampire-like ghouls were blamed for phenomena for which there was no medical explanation, such as the spread of disease or what happens to the human body after death. One of the 19th century’s most intriguing mysteries involves the. manufacturing and selling of vampire-slaying accouterments. People could choose the necessities to vanquish vampires: stakes, knives, hammers, crucifixes, bibles, and holy water. While the origins of this vampire equipment continue to be shrouded in mystery, recent historical evidence suggests that such tools became popular in Western Europe after Bram Stroker published his novel “Dracula” in 1897, captivating audiences with romantic tales of gothic horror. Individuals who were superstitious about traveling to Eastern Europe would only embark on the journey if they were armed with vampire-slaying essentials, such as this example. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedium:\u003c\/b\u003e Steel, leather, resin \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e 14.5 x 2 inches (37 x 5 cm); Blade length: 6 inches (15 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Some minor wear and cracking to the leather sheath, otherwise intact and in very good condition overall. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/b\u003e Deaccessioned from the Vampire \u0026amp; Paranormal Museum Collection (VPMC), Lambertville, New Jersey, thereafter a private NJ collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Material Culture","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47731786121519,"sku":"DA001","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/DA001_9.jpg?v=1697398776"}],"url":"https:\/\/sandsoftimedc.com\/en-au\/collections\/featured.oembed?page=9","provider":"Sands of Time Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}