Specialties
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X-Rare Early Islamic Glass Flask with Iridescence
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Near Eastern:
Pre AD 1000 item# 1027193
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$2,375.00
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This extremely rare piece is an early Islamic glass flask, circa 6th-8th century A.D. This intact piece is approximately 2.8 inches high, and is a light green color with multi-colored iridescence that is seen on various inner and outer sections of the vessel. This piece is rather thick walled, has a fairly wide indented bottom, a short tubular neck that has a slight flattening at the base, and a pontil-mark on the bottom. In addition, the neck is folded to the inside, and there are three stepped bulges seen within the neck which are a light yellow, green, and purple color. This piece is likely an early example of Islamic glass, due to the overall fabric of the vessel and the neck design as noted above. This piece is from an extremely rare early Islamic glass group, and some of these extremely rare pieces from this group are also listed as "possibly Sassanian", but given the probable region, i.e. Syro-Palestinian or Cypriot, where this piece was likely manufactured, a Sassanian attribution from modern day central Iran is highly unlikely. This piece, as being from this extremely rare early Islamic glass group, is also one of the earliest Islamic glass examples recorded. An analogous example listed as "possibly Islamic and of possible Syro-Palestinian or Cypriot manufacture", approximately 2.5 inches high, is seen in "Roman and Pre-Roman Glass in the Royal Ontario Museum", by John B. Hayes, Royal Ontario Museum Pub., 1975, no. 670. (See attached photo.) Another extremely rare example is seen in Sotheby Park Bernet Inc., Important Antiquities, New York, Dec. 1978, no. 138. (This piece is nearly the same size as the piece offered here, and is listed as "probably later Sassanian or early Islamic, circa 5th-8th century A.D.") The example offered here has a type of construction within the neck that required a great deal of skill, and is more advanced than the typical late Roman blown glass that is seen in the 4th-5th century A.D. Islamic glass also tends to have several colors within the glass, in contrast to the Sassanian culture, which was known for producing faceted cut glass that was more uniform in color. The Sassanian culture, circa 6th-8th century A.D., was from central modern day Iran, and was very skilled at glass production, and they are known for being able to take a solid cube of glass and carve/sculpt this into a faceted cup, bowl, or a plate. The exceptional small flask offered here is not only in mint condition, but it is also a type that is not seen on the market or in private collections. This extremely rare piece is a little gem and would be an excellent addition to a collection of ancient glass. Ex: Ex: Joel Malter collection, Los Angeles, CA. Ex: Private CA. collection. 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
$1675.00
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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 4.5 inches high. This piece was made as a support for a small table, and has an attached flat square upper support column on the top part of the piece. In the middle section of the piece, there is the upper half of a panther's body, and at the base of the piece, there is a round panther paw foot base. The top of this Roman bronze furniture piece is flat, which allowed this piece to support a flat surface such as a small table top. This type of top flat design is normally associated with larger Roman marble examples, and is scarce as a bronze type. The facing panther head has great eye appeal and has an active look. There are also several stylized small round punched circles that are seen in the upper body of the panther, and these represent the spots of the animal. This complete piece has a dark green patina with some spotty light brown deposits, and is in superb condition. This scarce Roman bronze furniture piece is also mounted with clay on a clear plexiglas base, and can easily be removed. 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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Superb Roman Bronze Bust of the Goddess Minerva
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Roman:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 1011365
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$5,675.00
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This superb Roman bronze is a bust of the goddess Minerva. This complete piece is approximately 4.5 inches high, and dates circa 1st century A.D. This beautiful piece is a much better example than what is normally seen, and is a complete intact example. This attractive piece is also in superb condition, save for a small dent at the tip of the nose. This piece has an attractive dark green patina with spotty red highlights, and in addition, this piece has a crest pin and detailed flowing crest that is usually missing relative to this type of piece. This piece also has a detailed scaly aegis fronted by a facing head of Medusa, silver inlaid eyes, and a detailed crested Corinthian helmet seen high on her head. The goddess has a beautiful oval face with her long hair center parted, and a serene upward gaze. The silver inlaid eyes also accentuate the serene facial expression that is portrayed. This piece has an iron pin seen under the piece, and this piece may have been attached to a furniture piece or a private shrine. The worship of Minerva was universally established, and it was the duty of almost every member of Roman society to implore the assistance and patronage of Minerva who presided over sense, taste, and reason. She was also invoked by every artist, and particularly those who worked with wool, embroidery, painting, and sculpture. This piece is very analogous in type and size to an example that was offered in Christies Antiquities, New York, Dec. 2008, no. 141. See attached photo. ($7,000.00-$9,000.00 estimates, $6,250.00 realized.) This piece also sits on a custom metal stand. Ex: Private New York collection. Ex: Harlan J. Berk collection, Chicago, Ill. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Greek Silver Tetrobol of Olynthos with Apollo
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Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Pre AD 1000 item# 593674
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$875.00
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This mint state silver tetrobol (four obols) was minted in northern Greece in the fortress city of Olynthos. This quality piece was minted circa 420-400 BC and is an early issue for the mint. The obverse has Apollo wearing a wreath and the reverse features his lyre. The name of Olynthos runs around the lyre. Olynthos was the center of the Chalkidian League and issued a series of coins with beautiful heads of Apollo. This classical period coin shows the early head of Apollo for the series, which is known as the "severe style". This style also best represents archaic period Greek sculpture. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Greek Terracotta Loom Weight with Hippocamps
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Pottery:
Pre AD 1000 item# 613883
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$365.00
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This Greek terracotta is in the form of a molded weight. This tan terracotta piece dates circa 4th century B.C. and is a rare type of terracotta, as there are very few known weights that are fashioned from terracotta. The advantage of forming a weight from terracotta is that one can mold an exact size, thus producing a piece with an exact weight. This piece has ten round stamped seals that bear the form of a hippocamp, with two on side A, two on side B, three on side C, two on side D, and one on the bottom. These ten seals seen on this piece may indicate a unit of weight and this weight was used to keep the warp threads perpendicular on verticle looms. These weights were suspended from the threads with the help of rings, that were probably made of metal, and these were attached to the holes in the weight. The round hole seen near the top allowed this piece to suspend and swivel on the metal rings. This piece is approximately 3.5 inches high by 2 inches wide at the center. The shape of the body tapers at the top, which allowed this piece to freely pivot and move on its attached ring swivel. There are sections of calcite deposits seen on the outer surface, and much of the original outer surface remains. If you collect ancient textiles, this would be an interesting addition to your collection. For another weight of this type see Lila Marangou, "Ancient Greek Art, N.P. Goulandris Collection", Athens, Greece, 1996, no. 216. Ex: Private German collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Philip II Bronze (AE) 18 Coin with Superb Patina
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 875428
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$285.00
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This Greek bronze coin is classified as an AE 18, and was minted by Philip II circa 359-336 B.C. The classification as an AE 18, derives from the average diameter of this type of coin which is approximately 18mm in diameter. The obverse displays the bust of Apollo seen facing the the left, and the reverse, shows a naked youth on a running horse that is facing right. The reverese has the name of Philip above and below, is a monogram which may be a mint control mark. This piece has a lustrous superb dark green patina that is much better than other examples of this type, and has a Very Fine Plus grade. See David Sear, "Greek Coins and Their Values, Vol. II", Seaby Pub., London, 1979, no. 6698 for the type. Ex: Private CA. collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Extremely Fine Greek Hemidrachm of Neapolis
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Pre AD 1000 item# 984306
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1,275.00
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This superb coin is a hemidrachm that was minted circa 390-370 B.C. This coin was minted in the civic mint of Neapolis, and grades extremely fine in condition. Neapolis developed as an Athenian colony, and was important because of the rich silver mines that were in the region. Neapolis was located on the coast of the Greek mainland directly opposite the island of Thasos. The obverse is a facing Gorgon that has an open mouth with a protruding tongue, and this was the civic symbol of Neapolis. The Gorgon was the Greek mythical beast that turned men into stone. There is also a single dot seen below the cheek of the Gorgon, and this may be an indication of value. The reverse has a delicate young female head facing right, that has been classified by many numismatists as being a young nymph. It is my contention that this young female head is Artemis Parthenos, who was a goddess that was popular in the wild interior of this region. This head is rendered with exceptional detail, as one can easily see individual hairs and a delicate single strand necklace. There is also Greek lettering seen running around the head: N-E-O-II. This coin is approximately 1.88 gms, and is 14mm in diameter. (Another example of the same grade was offered by Freeman & Sear, Fixed Price List 11, June 2006, no. 28, for $1,500.00.) Die references: Sear 1417, Jameson 954, and Dewing 1067. Ex: Private CA. collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Mint Greek Xenon Kantharos with Wave Pattern
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Pottery:
Pre AD 1000 item# 613441
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1265.00
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This superb piece is a kantharos that is intact and it is a scarce type. This Greek ceramic is classified as "Xenon ware", and was named after a similar kantharos that is now in Frankfurt that bears the inscription "XENON". This type of pottery represents a further aspect of Apulian pottery, which may be a combination of native Greek from southern Italy and mainland Greek, meaning a Greek artist from Attica. This vessel may also have been an importation from Attica into Magna Graecia (southern Italy). This type of kantharos also follows the earlier Greek Attic kantharos types known as a "Saint-Valentin" kantharos, which were produced circa 450 B.C. Both of the types noted above have a ring base and ellipsoid handles. 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. All of these elements are seen on both sides of this piece, and the condition of this vessel is mint, as it is intact and the painted details are very vibrant. There are some spotty white calcite deposits with some root marking in sections of the vessel. This vessel is scarce in this condition and size, as it is approximately 4.25 inches high by 6.25 inches wide from handle to handle. Ex: Private German collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Flawless and Esoteric Greek Hellenistic Olpe
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Pottery:
Pre AD 1000 item# 1039437
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$465.00
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This flawless piece is an intact Greek olpe vessel that dates circa 4th century B.C. This piece is approximately 6.5 inches high by 3.25 inches in diameter. This esoteric piece has an attractive tan earthern glaze and is made from a light red clay. This piece has nice "as found" deposits, a flat bottom, and a single strap handle. The large open and round mouth was also designed to pour liquid very rapidly, which lends this vessel very well as a table vessel. Vessels of this type were widely produced in the ancient Greek world, and this vessel shape was also produced in bronze. In fact, our research reveals that bronze vessels of this type seem to be more common than the terracotta vessels of this type, and in addition, this type of terracotta vessel seen in this mint condition is scarce, as most examples have some degree of repair/restoration. This piece probably was used for everyday use and may also been a votive example, and the latter case is probably the case here, as this piece has no apparent wear from use. This piece probaly was used for water and/or wine. A nice example seldom seen in this condition. Ex: Bonhams Antiquities, London, April 2004, no. 343. Ex: Private Ill. collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Beautiful Roman Silver & Carnelian Legionnaire Ring
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Roman:
Pre AD 1000 item# 1130040
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$2,875.00-On Hold
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This beautiful piece is a Roman silver ring with a red carnelian that dates circa 1st-2nd century A.D. This piece is a size 7-7.5, and is approximately 17 mm wide across the top face, and 27 mm high from the top of the stone to the bottom of the ring. The silver ring bezel is solid silver, and the red carnelian is translucent which seems to glow in daylight, and this beautiful glowing effect is very noticable when the light hits this piece. Another noticable feature of this ring is that the flat face of the stone is carved with a standing eagle with outstreched wings, and above is a standing winged Victory goddess who is seen holding a victory fillet at the front. The standing winged Victory is also seen with her feet lifting off the ground, and is seen floating above the standing eagle, who in turn, is seen standing on a ground line. The combination of this design is very powerful, as it presents a "real world" symbol, with the standing eagle on the ground line which represents Rome and the power of Rome, and the floating Victory, which represents a "spiritual world" symbol, with the power of the Victory goddess. The meaning of this combined symbolism is "Victory for Rome", and the Roman eagle was a common symbol associated with the Roman legions, and was the most prominent standard of the Roman army. Roman legionnaires often had a private shrine with a Roman bronze or silver eagle which they worshipped for good luck, and many of these small bronze and silver eagles can be seen on the market today. The Roman soldier who choose this ring as his signet, not only shows his loyalty to Rome, but it also evokes the strength of the Empire and its military, and as such, this ring likely belonged to someone that was in the Roman military and/or was likely connected with it to a high degree. The artistic composition is very skillfully done, and the carving of this gem is better than most examples. The red carnelian gem is also a large example, and is approximately 20 mm high by 14 mm wide. The condition of the gem is superb, save for a small internal fracture that can be seen below the eagle. The silver ring bezel was solid cast, and has some minute root marking and checkering that is seen mostly under high magnification, and this is normal for a silver ring of this age. The patina is also a light grey, and is in its natural "as found" condition. Overall, this ring is an exceptional large example, can be worn, and is rare in the market today. Another Roman silver ring dated circa 1st-2nd century A.D., with the same type of bezel design and a carved standing Ceres goddess, can be seen in Christie's Ancient Jewelry, Dec. 1999, no. 118, $5,000.00-$7,000.00 estimates. (See attached photo.) This piece also comes with a ring box for display. Ex: Private German collection, circa 1990's. (Note: This piece also comes with additional documentation that is available to the purchaser.) I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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