Specialties
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Near Eastern Sumerian Rock Crystal Bull Amulet
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Near Eastern:
Stone:
Pre AD 1000 item# 752891
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$2675.00
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This piece is a carved rock crystal amulet that is in the form of a recumbent bull. This rare piece is Sumerian, and dates circa 3500-3200 B.C. This piece is approximately 1.1 inches long and .5 inches wide, and is very large for a rock crystal amulet of this type. There is also a bow drilled hole that runs from the top center to the bottom of the piece, and this was used to attach this piece to a necklace. These necklaces included additional animal amulets/seals, and other known types of these amulets and seals were made from red chalcedony, lapis lazuli, agate, and onyx. The rock crystal types are the rarest, as this hard stone was difficult to carve and had to be imported into the region (lower Mesopotamia). The Sumerian culture was one of the earliest cultures that used amulets and cylinder seals for commercial and religious reasons. This piece was produced during a period when urban culture was coming into existence, along with the formation of city-states, and the piece offered here marked the wearer with a social status, as amulets of this type were also thought to have been imbued with magical powers. Rock crystal pieces of this type are thought by many academics to represent wealth and power, and this may also explain the bull as a type. ( See "Art of the Ancient Near and Middle East" by Carel J. Du Ry, Abrams Pub., New York, 1969, pp. 32-48. In addition, see Sotheby's Antiquities, New York, "The Ada Small Moore Collection of Ancient Near Eastern Seals", Dec. 1991, no. 1-4 and 28. On page 14 the Reverend Paul Moore, the grandson of Ada Small Moore, mentions an ancient cuneiform text that reads: "A seal of crystal portends that he shall enlarge profits; his name shall be good." ) The bull seen on this amulet is seen in the recumbent position with the legs folded underneath, and the head is turned to the right. This design of the bull is in a compact position, and this makes the drilled eyes even more expressive. The stone is also translucent, and this also gives this bull amulet an animated look. This piece is complete and is in superb condition, save a small fracture seen on the upper head. This piece comes with a custom stand and can easily be removed. Ex: Sotheby's Antiquities, New York, Dec. 1995, no. 155. Ex: Private New York collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Rare Archaic Greek Marble Griffin Table Leg
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Sculpture:
Pre AD 1000 item# 599951
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$5675.00
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This extremely rare Greek marble dates from the 6th-4th century B.C., and is the upper torso of a griffin. This esoteric piece was part of a table leg known as a "trapezophoros" that supported a table top with several other identical legs. The "trapezophoros" types are usually designed with panther or lion heads, and the rarest type is the griffon type, and only a handful of these examples are known. This piece has a bird-like mouth and tongue, with cat-like short ears and eyes, and eagle feathers seen on each side of the neck. For the Greeks, the griffin symbolized the destroying power of the gods, and during the 5th-4th century B.C., it came to represent an anti-Persian symbol. A limited number of Greek gold staters, minted by Alexander the Great in Asia, had this symbol on the Corinthian helmet of Athena, which was seen on the obverse of this coinage. This symbol was also prevalent on Greek armour at the battle of Gaugamela in September 331 B.C., where Alexander the Great finally smashed the Persian army by decimating over 165,000 Persians, and this battle forever defined the ultimate confrontation between the East and the West. In ancient Greek art, the griffin was also applied in the decoration of friezes, and the Romans followed this tradition, with one of the finest examples seen at the temple of Antoninus and Faustina in Rome. This piece is approximately 14.5 inches high, and on the custom wooden stand it is 17.5 inches high. This solid piece is quite heavy, and it rotates on the stand as well, allowing one to easily display this piece at different angles. This piece has some chips to the mouth area and to the right ear, otherwise the bust of the griffin is nearly complete. This esoteric piece has a nice light brown patina and it is a very decorative piece. The griffin is seen with an open mouth and it exudes a lively look. An extremely rare early Greek piece with a great deal of symbolism. Ex: F. Hirsch collection, Germany. Ex: Private German collection. Ex: Private New York collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Massive Mayan Tripod Plate with Standing Warrior
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Americas:
Pre Columbian:
Pottery:
Pre AD 1000 item# 1020554
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
Price on Request
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This massive piece is a Mayan tripod plate that is approximately 3.6 inches high by 17 inches in diameter. This impressive piece is from the Campeche region of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, and dates to the Late Classic period circa 600-950 A.D. This light brown ceramic piece was repaired from several fragments, as is usually the case for a piece of this size, and it is 100% original. The only noted over paint is seen over the break lines, and the colors are very vibrant, and this polychrome piece is a bright orange with red and black highlights. There are also sections of this piece that have very attractive and extensive root marking. This piece shows a standing warrior wearing a feathered ceremonial headdress and belt, and he is seen holding a feathered war lance that also includes a round black military standard. The standing warrior is also seen looking up at this round standard, and he is depicted in profile. This design also draws the viewer's eye to this military standard, and emphasizes the importance of this symbolic standard. A black spotted ceremonial jaguar pelt, with an enlarged painted face, is also seen draped over his upper body. According to the Mayan "Cronica de Tizimin", the spreading of a ceremonial jaguar pelt in the market was a declaration of war, and the army was headed by a standard-bearer who carried a tall banner. The warriors also painted their faces and bodies black to appear more fierce, and this is the case of the black painted standing warrior seen on this exceptional piece. In the center of the army there was also the chief (cacique), together with the two high ranking nobles in the military: the "nacom", who was the supreme military commander, and the "batab". The war generally came to an end when the "nacom" was dead or captured. The massive piece offered here is one of the largest known Mayan plates of this type, and other extremely rare large examples have been found in the Campeche and Quintana Roo regions of the Yucatan. The artistic style of this piece is also analogous to a cylinder vessel found on Jaina Island, Campeche, that depicts two standing warriors with black body paint, who also have an analogous distinctive triangular eye with a single dot within. It is quite possible that the massive piece offered here, and the cylinder vessel noted above, could have been from the same workshop and/or was produced in the immediate area. The exceptional piece offered here may also have been produced as a reference to a Mayan regal declaration of war, and as such, may have been associated with this ceremony. (See an attached photo of the cylinder vessel noted above, which is also seen in "Maya" by Peter Schmidt ed., Rizzoli Pub., New York, 1998, p. 540, no. 93.) The piece offered here was also repaired by the Denver Art Museum, which also shows where the break lines are, and a thermoluminescence test (TL) was performed, no. 6647. This piece was also deaccessioned from the Denver Art Museum circa 1995, inventory no. 1984.661. This large extremely rare piece has a great deal of eye appeal, not only because of its massive size, but because of the bright colors which are very vibrant. Ex: Mr. and Mrs. Morris A. Long collection. Ex: Denver Art Museum collection. Ex: Private CA. collection. (Additional documentation is available for the purchaser.) I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Beautiful Greek Bronze Fluted Kalyx Cup
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 633629
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$3,675.00
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This beautiful Greek bronze kalyx cup dates circa 5th-4th century B.C. and is a large example for the type. This piece is intact and is in superb condition, save for two small stress cracks seen on the upper rim which were formed from ground pressures. These stress cracks are also an excellent indication of authenticity, and are an added plus towards the value of the piece. The patina is absolutely gorgeous and is dark green with mixed dark red highlights, and there are spotty mineral deposits which are dark blue and red. The patina seen on this exceptional piece is also very desirable, and is another added plus towards the value of this piece. This piece was hand made from one sheet of bronze and was hammered into shape. This piece was finished with exceptional repousse decoration in the form of a floral pattern, seen centered at the bottom, and this pattern extends up the sides with elongated petals. There is also a hand chased decorative band that runs around the center of the vessel, and this vessel displays several forms of hand worked design which also make this an exceptional example of "classical period" ancient Greek art and workmanship. The shape and decorative elements seen on this piece was derived from the earlier Achaemenid (Persian empire) deep bowl. (For an explanation of the type see D.E. Strong, "Greek and Roman Gold and Silver Plate, London 1966, p.99.) This shape also appears in Attic pottery in the fifth and fourth century B.C., and the Achaemenid influence was felt in Greece well before the conquests of Alexander the Great paved the way to direct contact between Greek art and the East. These types of cups have also been found in silver, with and without the detailed design seen on the vessel offered here. This piece is approximately 4.4 inches in diameter by 3 inches high, is thick walled, and is a large example. The workmanship is also better than what is usually seen, as it has very fine detail, and this piece was probably made for the table of a wealthy individual. This piece was also probably used for formal wine drinking known as symposia. A plexiglas stand is also included. Ex: Private Swiss collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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PC Art of Mexico & Central America Book: Mint Copy
Catalogue:
Traditional Collectibles:
Books:
References:
Fine Art:
Contemporary item# 1010631
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$375.00
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This "Pre-Columbian Art of Mexico and Central America" book by Hasso von Winning is in mint condition, and is a "must have" reference book for collectors, museum curators, and art history students of Pre-Columbian art from Mexico and central America. This crisp, mint first edition is lavishly illustrated with superb examples from all the primary cultures of the entire Central American and Mexican region. This book is organized first by geographic area, and within that area, the primary cultural groups are classified in chronological order. There is a brief overview of the archaeology of each primary geographical area, and then a discussion of the highlights of the artifacts in that area all by chronological order. Each object is photographed in the book, many in beautiful color, and by professional art photographers. In addition, each object is accurately described with its date and dimension. Many of the objects were published for the first time in this book, and many of the objects are from private collections from around the world. It is important to note that this book was published prior to the US and UNESCO patrimony regulations. This book is also utilized by the major auction houses such as Sotheby's, Christies, and Bonhams as a primary reference for objects represented at auction. This book is also the companion book for "Pre-Columbian Art of South America" by Alan Lapiner. The book offered here was published in January 1968 by Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 388 pages with text, 595 illustrations, 175 photos in full color and many are mounted. Hardbound with dust jacket, including the clear protective cover for the dust jacket. ISBN: 0810904233.
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Attractive Ceremonial Chimu Silver Offering Bowl
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Americas:
Pre Columbian:
Metalwork:
Pre AD 1000 item# 592720
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1275.00
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This Chimu silver offering bowl is quite attractive and dates circa 1100-1350 AD. This piece is approximately 7.4 inches long by 4.75 inches wide by 2.3 inches high. This silver vessel was hammered from one single sheet of metal, and was formed into the rectangular shape seen here. This piece is slightly thicker at the base, and has a slightly thinner outer edge. This rectangular shape runs concurrent and continually through many Pre-Columbian cultures, and this type of vessel is seen as early as the Olmec circa 400 BC. This shape allows one to easily hold the vessel in one hand, rather than both hands as a round vessel often requires, and two dimples were added on each side for an added grip. This piece was likely used in ceremonies, rather than being created as a votive type vessel, and this may also explain the design of this vessel. An additional dimple was added so that the vessel stands upright and does not fall over. There is also a cross hatch design seen on the upper rim that is often seen on Chimu silver vessels. (See Sotheby's Pre-Columbian, Nov. 2006, lot #296, that shows a Chimu silver beaker with a cross hatch design on the upper rim.) This piece has spotty black magnesian deposits and checkered metal from age. The condition of this vessel is mint, and it is intact. Ex: Jean-Eugene Lions collection, Geneva, Switzerland. Ex: Private New York collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Late Roman Bronze Rivet Cup with Superb Patina
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Roman:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 595318
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$875.00
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This superb late Roman bronze cup dates circa 3rd-5th century A.D. and is approximately 3 inches high and 4 inches in diameter. This piece has exceptional late Roman heavy bronze riveting that attaches the handle to the main body of the vessel. There are five heavy rivets that can be seen and they were beaten down on the inside of the piece. This piece required a good metal smith in order to create this vessel from one single sheet of metal, and then apply the heavy rivet system for the handle. This piece was probably also made in and around Trier, Germany. This piece has a superb patina, as it is dark green with a mix of red and gold colors. The inside of the vessel has light green mineral deposits, and it is intact with no dents and/or minor damage. An exceptional vessel for the period with a superb patina. Ex: Gunter Puhze, Freiburg, Germany. Ex: Private German collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Attractive Pink Sandstone Post-Gupta Male Torso
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Asian:
Indian Subcontinent:
India:
Pre 1492 item# 738399
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$2675.00
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This attractive pink sandstone torso is from the Post-Gupta period, circa 9th century A.D., and is from central India. This piece is approximately 14 inches high and is mounted on a custom metal stand. The male seen here may be Vishnu, the preserver, and is probably the most widely worshipped of the Hindu deities in India, and although he is seen as representing stability, he has, through his avatars, a multifaceted character. Over the centuries, he has managed to absorb other cults, making them part of his essential oneness. He is seen here wearing a collar and an intricate three-part jewelled belt, and his posture is centered towards the viewer. This piece has spotty white calcite deposits and has more wear at the back of the piece. This indicates a burial pattern with the front of the piece probably lying face down, and with the back side exposed to the elements. This burial pattern and the calcite deposits are excellent indications of authenticity, and this is very important, given the large number of fakes on the international market. This piece is also a scarce depiction of Vishnu, as he is seen as an over-weight older male. This piece has a great deal of eye appeal and is an excellent example of medieval period Indian art. Ex: Arthur Millner collection, London. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Mint Greek Late Bronze Age Ossuary Vase
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Pottery:
Pre AD 1000 item# 997403
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$2,365.00
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This piece is a Greek lidded vessel that dates to the Late Bronze Age period, circa 12th-11th century B.C. This piece is approximately 8.5 inches high by 7.5 inches in diameter, and is intact in mint condition. This piece has attractive spotty white calcite deposits with some root marking, and a light brown earthen over glaze. This piece is a light red terracotta, and the lid fits perfectly into place. This piece also has Mycenaean artistic style, as seen with the two looped handles, peaked lid with knob grip, and the rounded shape of the main body. (For many Mycenaean vessels see "Mycenae and the Mycenaean Age" by George Mylonas, Princeton University Press, 1966.) This type of vessel also served as a burial urn, and held the cremated remains of the deceased. This type of vessel was then placed in a cist grave with lined stones, or within an enclosure of piled rocks, and the entire tomb was then covered with a mound of dirt. This type of burial was common throughout the ancient Greek world during the Bronze Age. The vessel offered here is intact, and is scarce in this condition. Ex: J. Malter collection, Los Angeles. CA. Ex: Private CA. collection. (Additional documentation is available to the purchaser.) I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Huge Greek Bronze Bowl with Superb Patina
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 994533
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$5,800.00
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This piece is an extremely large Greek bronze bowl that dates circa 5th-4th century B.C. This piece is approximately 13.2 inches in diameter by 4.2 inches high, and has a superb dark green patina with light green and blue hues. This piece is intact and has no repair/restoration, and is in mint "as found" condition. This piece has two concentric circles that run around the main body of the vessel, and three concentric circles are seen within the raised base ring. These concentric circles are often seen on ancient Greek vessels that date from the 5th to the 4th century B.C. The metal is very think on this piece, and this piece does have some noticable weight to it, and is somewhat heavy as it is approximately 4.8 pounds. This piece has a thick rounded rim, and this allows one to easily lift this piece with a solid grip. There are also no handles attached to the main body, and there is no indication that there were handles that were ever attached to this piece. This type of large vessel with no handles was made to hold wine and/or water for the table or bath, and was often placed on a raised stand. (For this type of vessel, see "Vergina, The Royal Tombs" by Manolis Andronicos, Ekdotike Athenon Pub., Athens, 1984.) This vessel may also have been made for heated water, and may have been used to cool the heated water for the bath, given the thickness of the metal. This piece is rare in this size and is a beautiful example with a high degree of eye appeal. Ex: Mathias Komor collection, New York. Ex: Private New York collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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