Specialties
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Sweet Greek Bronze Squat Lekythos
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 768450
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$3800.00
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This sweet Greek bronze vessel is known as a "squat lekythos", and dates to the second half of the fourth century B.C., circa 350-300 B.C. This intact vessel is approximately 3.5 inches high by 3.5 inches wide at the top. This attractive piece has an exceptional emerald dark green patina with dark blue and light brown deposits. There are also minute lines that are extremely fine that run around the main body of the vessel, and it took an artist with a great deal of skill to engrave these fine lines around the vessel. This type of vessel was used as a perfume vase, as it contained a valuable oil and/or unguent. The very wide, funnel-shaped mouth enabled one to control the flow of the liquid and this also served as a platter for application. This piece was used by a wealthy woman, as this type of vessel is rare in bronze, and this vessel was an essential component of her toiletry. An analogous example was sold in Christie's Antiquities, New York, June 2001, no. 165 ( $5,000.00-$7,000.00 estimates, $5,875.00 realized.) Another example of this type ( 4.25 inches high.) was found in Grave Beta, Dervini, Greece, and is now seen in the Museum of Thessalonike. For this piece see "The Search for Alexander" by N. Yalouris, Little, Brown and Company Pub., 1980, no. 133, page 169. This type of vessel was also produced in silver and is extremely rare, and usually does not have the fine line design as the piece offered here shows. Ex: Private New York collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Superb Chimu/Inka Recumbent Llama Stirrup Vessel
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Americas:
Pre Columbian:
Pottery:
Pre AD 1000 item# 807122
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1,825.00
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This superb ceramic is in the form of a recumbent llama. This piece is from the Chimu/Inka period that dates circa 1470-1532 A.D. This period began with the conquest of the Chimu empire by the Inka circa 1470 A.D., and the period ended with the conquest of the Inka empire at the hands of Pizarro circa 1532 A.D. The Inka retained the Chimu craftsman, who produced remarkable ceramics, textiles, and metal work. This ceramic is relatively scarce, as the rise and fall of the Inka empire covered a span of only ninety years. This ceramic depicts a llama, which for the Inka, was the key component for the success of their empire. The Inka used llamas in transporting goods over great distances throughout their mountain empire, and the llama proved to be a very durable creature in this regard. This ceramic is made from a light brown clay, and has a red-orange color with tan highlights. The Chimu produced mostly blackware ceramics, but with the conquest of the Inka, they began to produce ceramics that were mostly red-orange in color and had black and white line design colors. (For other examples see "Pre-Columbian Art of South America" by Alan Lapiner, Abrams Pub. New York, 1976, no. 704-706.) The piece offered here has black line design elements that are centered over the belly of the llama, in addition to the central tan colored highlight which is seen here, and in addition, this tan color highlight is seen on the arched section of the stirrup handle. There is also a small and charming little primate that is seen at the junction of the stirrup handle, and this is the hallmark of many Chimu ceramics. The recumbent llama may also be in a state of gestation, and this may be why the rounded belly of the llama has the tan highlighted color. (For another example of this piece see "Chimu" by Jose Antonio de Lavalle, Banco De Credito Del Peru En La Cultura Pub., Lima, Peru, 1987, page 114.) This piece is intact with no repair/restoration and is approximately 8.25 inches high. This piece has some light brown burnishing and very minor glaze loss, and is in superb condition. A charming piece that best represents the Inka empire. Ex: Arte Textil, San Francisco, CA. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Unique Greek Hellenistic (AE 23mm) Coin with Asklepios
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Pre AD 1000 item# 810315
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1275.00
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This mint state ancient Greek coin was minted in the Hellenistic period, and was minted in Pergamon circa 300-200 B.C. Pergamon became important under Alexander the Great, and later became the capital of the Attalid dynasty founded by Philetairos, which ranked as one of the great cultural centers of the ancient Greek world. The obverse shows the bearded bust of Asklepios, and the reverse, shows a standing Muse with a three-stringed lyre behind, and the Greek lettering meaning "Per-gamon" at the front and behind. The Muses were originally considered to be three in number: Melete ("Practice"), Mneme ("Memory"), and Aoede ("Song"). At Delphi, the Muses were named after the three strings of the early ancient Greek lyre: Bottom ("Nete"), Middle ("Mese"), and Top ("Hypate"). Hesiod, however, has ascribed the Muses to the traditional number of nine, and had allotted each of them a name. This remarkable coin has a wonderful Hellenistc portrait of Asklepios, and is in mint state ("as struck") condition which is rare for a Greek bronze issue. This coin is approximately 23mm in diameter and 6.3 gms, and has an exceptional glossy dark green patina. This piece is also extremely rare, if not unique, and is not listed in "Greek Coins and Their Values" by David Sear, Seaby Pub., London, 1979. This coin is not seen on the market, and is not only an extremely rare type, but is also an exceptional Hellenistic Greek work of art. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Roman Bronze Panther Table Leg
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Roman:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 595960
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1875.00
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This solid piece was cast in one piece and is a Roman bronze panther table leg. This piece dates circa 2nd-3rd century A.D. and is approximately 4.4 inches high. This piece was made as a support for a small table and has a round base, half of a panther body, and has a lion's paw lower body half. This type of design is normally seen relative to Roman marble examples, and is scarce as a bronze type. The facing panther head has great eye appeal and has an active look. This complete piece has a dark green patina with some spotty light brown deposits and is mounted on a clear plexiglas base. Ex: Fortuna Fine Art, New York, New York. Ex: Private New York collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Greek (AE 28) Coin of Rhodos showing Helios/Alexander
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Pre AD 1000 item# 723302
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$765.00
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This extremely fine coin is a Greek bronze that shows on the obverse, Helios, who is the Greek god of the sun. The sun's rays are represented as the radiate crown worn by Helios. This coin is known as an AE 28, as AE is the symbol for bronze and 28 represents the diameter of the flan, which this coin is (28mm). The reverse shows the rose, which is the civic symbol of the island of Rhodos where this coin was minted circa 167-88 B.C. P-O is seen on each side of the rose and this represents the mint mark for Rhodos. The Helios bust on the obverese also represents Alexander the Great in the guise of Helios, and this rare representation is seen relative to Greek sculpture for the period as well. The quality of this piece is extremely fine, and this coin is rare in this condition. The principle reason for this is that this coin was struck with shallow dies and the design of this type in not very clear, but in this case, this coin is fully struck up and has clear designs and very little wear, if any. This coin is also centered very well and has an attractive dark brown patina. For the type see David Sear, "Greek Coins and Their Values", Vol.2 Asia and Africa, Seaby Pub. 1979, no. 5079. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Cute Greek/Anatolian Geometric Votive Bronze Bull
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 685120
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$2375.00
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This cute standing bronze bull is complete, and dates circa 750-700 B.C. This piece is approximately 3.5 inches long by 2.25 inches high. This piece is solid and was cast as one complete piece. This scarce piece may also be Greek, as examples of this type have been found at Delphi, Olympia, and Samos. These pieces were votive in nature and this is why they have been found at these sacred Greek sites. (See H.V. Herrmann, Die Kessel der Orientalalisierenden Zeit, Teil I, OlympForsch VI, 1966, no.114. for an analogous example that was found at Olympia.) This piece has a round almond eye and the tail is designed between the hind legs, and these are features that are seen in Greek art during the early Geometric period, circa 8th century B.C. Pieces of this type have been found in Anatolia and northern Syria, and have been found in many locations in the ancient Greek world. This is why pieces of this type are classified as being "Anatolian" and/or "Northern Syrian", but it probably is the case that many of these pieces may also have been made in Greece, and one probable site is Olympia. This period is also known as the "Orientalizing" period of Greek art, as there was extensive trade between Greece and the the Levant (eastern Mediterranean). This piece has a dark green and brown patina with dark green mineral deposits. The design of this piece is also very analogous to another example that is seen in the Munich Glyptothek Museum (See attached photo.) The piece offered here, and the Glyptothek Museum example, are both approximately the same size as well, and both have short cropped horns, incised line design on the flat forehead, and a round almond eye. This scarce piece is not often seen on the market and is from a private Swiss collection. Ex: Leo Mildenberg collection, Zurich. Published:"More Animals in Ancient Art from the Leo Mildenberg Collection" by A.P. Kozloff and D.G. Mitten, Part III, Mainz am Rhein Pub., 1986, no.17. Ex: Christie,s Antiquities, London, Oct. 2004, no.372.
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Monumental Greek Apulian Bell Krater: Varrese Painter
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Pre AD 1000 item# 613593
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
Price on request
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This monumental Greek Apulian bell krater is approximately 16 inches high by 16 inches in diameter at the upper rim. This large scale piece is attributed to the Varrese Painter, circa 360-350 B.C. This piece has a standing nude male holding a wreath and is facing a seated draped woman (Side A). Side B has two standing cloaked males and this side is known as the "underworld scene". Side A is known as the "living world scene" and may represent a scene from the life of the deceased. Side A has detailed drapery, painted rocks, dotted ground line, and a round floral pattern that is seen above both figures. Side B has a round symbol, seen above the two standing figues, that looks like a divided pie. The features noted here for both Side A and B are attributed to the Varrese Painter, who is considered one of the most important Apulian painters. According to A.D. Trendall in "Red Figure Vases of South Italy and Sicily", Thames and Hudson, London, 1989, page 83: "The Varrese Painter emerges as one of the more significant painters of the mid-fourth century: his work had a considerable influence not only on his immediate followers, but also on the forerunners of the Darius Painter". This piece is 100% original and is repaired from large fragments, as are most large scale Apulian vessels. This piece is rare on the market, as there are very few large scale Apulian ceramics seen on the market outside of an auction. Trendall (ibid, page 83.) adds that: "nearly 200 of his vases have survived; of these about a quarter are large and elaborately decorated". This piece has vibrant colors and detailed drapery, and is an extremely fine example for the painter. Ex: Robert Novak collection, St. Louis, MO. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Roman/Egyptian Bronze Osiris-Dionysos Figurine
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Roman:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 599555
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$2300.00
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This piece is a Roman bronze that was likely made in Alexandria, Egypt. This piece dates circa 2nd century A.D. and is a complete piece that is seen standing on a plinth. The plinth probably does go with this piece as the patina has matching deposits where the feet meet the top of the base. This rare bronze is likely Osiris-Dionysos and this piece was made to represent more than one god. This figure is seen wearing an Egyptian crown and he is holding a fruit out in his left hand. The fruit may represent the bounty of Egypt, as it was the bread basket of the Roman Empire. This figure is seen nude and this is a Greek convention of art, but this piece was likely made in Egypt, and as such, is a rare Egyptian convention of art as well. The duality of form and purpose of this piece is a reflection of the Romans who lived and worked in Egypt. This piece was probably set up in a shrine in a private home and both gods were probably worshipped at the same time. This piece is approximately 4.2 inches high and the figure itself is approximately 2.9 inches high. This piece has a nice dark green patina with spotty light brown mineral deposits. This piece is mounted with clay on a custom white marble/clear plexiglas stand and the piece can easily be removed. Ex: Christie's Antiquities New York, June 1994, no.191. Ex: Private New York collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Nice Greek Xenon Cup with Key Pattern
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Pottery:
Pre AD 1000 item# 782558
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$625.00
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This nice Greek ceramic is cup that is intact and it is an attractive form. This Greek ceramic is classified as "Xenon ware", and was named after a kantharos that is now in Frankfurt, Germany that bears the inscription "XENON". This type of pottery represents a further aspect of Apulian pottery, which may be a combination of native Greek art from southern Italy and Greek art from Attica (mainland Greece). This piece was produced circa 375-350 B.C. and is a glossy blackware with matt pinkish red designs. Xenon ware usually displays decorative motifs such as laurel, wave patterns, ivy leaf, and chevrons. This piece has a key pattern that runs around the center of the vessel, with chevron lines above. The condition of this intact piece in mint, and has no minute breaks and/or chips. The key design is missing in sections, and this is common, as the paint was often added after the ceramic was fired and/or was a thin application. This piece has not been over painted as well. There are some spotty white calcite deposits, and some root marking. This piece is approximately 3 inches high by 4.5 inches wide, and is a superb example for the type. Ex: Private German collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Greek Bronze Votive Oinochoe Pendant
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 595357
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$425.00
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This Greek bronze oinochoe is known as a "votive pendant" and dates from the Geometric Period, circa 8th-7th century B.C. This piece is approximately 2 inches high and is mounted on a custom clear/marble stand with clay, so it can easily be removed. This piece was votive and was used as an offering in a temple, or a grave, and was also made for use as an offering at an oracle site such as Dodona or Delphi. This piece is in the form of an oinochoe which was used primarily for pouring wine, and as a sacred offering, it served as a wine offering as well. This piece has a dark brown/green patina and there are heavy mineral deposits seen on the inside of the vessel. An interesting piece and an early Greek bronze. Ex: Bonhams Antiquities, London. Ex: Private English collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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