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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Unique Greek Hellenistic (AE 23mm) Coin with Asklepios
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Antiques:
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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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Greek (AE 28) Coin of Rhodos showing Helios/Alexander
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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
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Antiques:
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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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Nice Greek Xenon Cup with Key Pattern
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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
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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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Attractive Greek Canosan Volute Krater & Medusa Faces
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Antiques:
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Ancient World:
Greek:
Pottery:
Pre AD 1000 item# 792454
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$5875.00
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This very attractive piece is a Greek volute krater that dates circa late 4th century B.C. This piece is approximately 19 inches high and is a large vessel for the type. This piece was produced by native Greeks that lived in southern Italy, and their culture is classified as "Canosan", which derives it's name from the town of Canosa, where many pieces of this culture were thought to have been produced. This type of vessel has also been classified as "Late Canosan", and is a combination of Greek and native Greek tradition/attributes. (See "The Art of South Italy: Vases From Magna Graecia", Margaret Ellen Mayo Ed., Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Pub., Richmond, 1982, p. 290-291.) This piece is a classic Greek form known as a "volute krater", and has the distinctive raised handles on each side that have roundels at the top. Within these roundels is seen a facing Medusa head, which according to Greek myth, turned the viewer into stone. This piece was a votive ceramic, and the facing Medusa heads were a perfect choice as a protector of the deceased owner. The Medusa heads, seen on this vessel, were made with a mold that was pressed into the clay, and in this case, the facing Medusa heads appear to emerge from the flat surface. This effect is the result of a very high degree of skill in the production of this vessel, and this also lends this vessel a high degree of eye appeal. This piece may have also been mass produced for an export market, although very few examples have been found, and this makes this piece all the more remarkable. This vessel has traces of it's original white slip, and this covered most of the main body of the vessel. This piece is in exceptional condition, has no apparent restoration/repair, and has many natural earthen deposits and root marking. In addition, this piece has not been over cleaned and is in an exceptional "as found" condition, which is rare in today's market. (For an analogous example, see Sotheby's Antiquities, New York, May 1986, no. 23. $3,000.00-$4,000.00 estimates, $3,520.00 realized.) A superb example that is seldom seen in today's market. Ex: Robert Novak collection, St. Louis, MO. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Superb Greek Silver Drachm of Alexander the Great
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Ancient World:
Greek:
Pre AD 1000 item# 776893
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$625.00
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This superb coin is a silver drachm that was minted shortly after the death of Alexander the Great circa 323 B.C. This coin was minted circa 323-310 B.C. in Pella, the capital of Macedonia, and the mint mark is the Macedonian royal star burst symbol that is seen on the reverse, at the front of the seated Zeus. The seated Zeus is also seen holding the sacred eagle which was a messenger of the gods. Behind the seated Zeus, is the name, Philip, who was the half brother of Alexander, and Philip III was declared king after the death of Alexander. The obverse shows the head of Heracles in a lion's skin headdress. The portrait seen here is also a very close likeness of Alexander, and was likely intended to portray both Heracles and Alexander. The flan of this coin is very large, and one can see the edge of the die that runs around the outer edge. This in itself makes this coin an exceptional example, and is not often seen in this size. ( 20mm in diamter. ) This coin also is approximately 4.3 grams, and is minted on the Attic standard. I certify that this coin is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Greek Geometric Bronze Pectoral, 7th Century B.C.
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Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 771379
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
Sold
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This interesting piece is a Greek bronze pectoral that dates from the Geometric period, circa 7th century B.C. This complete piece is approximately 12.4 inches long and is flat, except the rounded terminal ends. This piece was worn on the upper chest, and was connected around the neck possibly with a leather tie, or was attached to the garmet with the terminal ends that have a sharp pointed end. This piece has several round geometric designs that are punched and engraved into the front of the piece. The large central circle has an inner floral pattern design and a solar ray-pattern which runs around the inner outer edge. These designs were engraved into the piece with a great deal of skill. The central floral pattern may also be a Greek solar symbol, and was a symbol of the Macedonian royal house. The floral symbol is a solar "life" symbol that was also connected to Apollo, who was pre-eminently a sun-god. This theory was elaborated by Doris Raymond in "Macedonian Regal Coinage to 413 B.C.", American Numismatic Society Pub., New York, 1953, p. 45. This piece may also have been purely votive and may not have been worn in everyday life, but it is more likely that this piece was worn during ceremonial occasions and became a votive object at the death of the owner. Another analogous piece, of the same size with near identical inner designs, was offered by Fortuna Fine Arts in New York and is seen in their catalog "Venerable Traditions, Works of Art From the Ancient World", Fortuna Fine Arts Pub., 1987, no. 27 ($8,500.00 fixed price, and see attached photo.) The rare piece offered here has a nice emerald dark green patina and some spotty dark brown mineral deposits. This piece is mounted on a custom base, and easily lifts off the stand. A rare piece that is seldom seen on the market. 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 Greek Mycenaean Bronze Armlets: X-Rare
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 763998
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$8800.00
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These massive Greek/Mycenaean bronze armlets date circa 1400-1100 B.C. and are extremely rare. Each of these striking armlets were cast as one piece, and are very heavy. These pieces were very valuable in antiquity, as a great deal of bronze went into these pieces, and only a wealthy individual and/or noble wore these pieces as a mark of rank and prestige. These pieces are approximately 3.6 inches in diameter by 2.6 inches high, and were likely worn by a very powerful male individual on the upper arm. These pieces also have some wear on the inner edges, which is a good indication that these armlets were worn over a great deal of time, possibly for the adult lifetime of the individual. The design of these armlets shows at each terminal end, two stylized rams heads with curled horns and dotted eyes, and these recessed dotted eyes are seen at the point where the curled horns connect. These recessed dotted eyes were probably inlaid with precious stones, ivory, or bone. Behind the stylized rams heads are three bands with chevrons within, and between these bands are wavy-line and connecting-spiral symbols. The connecting-spiral symbols are seen as early as the Early Cycladic period, circa 2800-2000 B.C., and are subsequently seen as a principle symbol of the Mycenaean Greek culture circa 1500-1200 B.C. ( For an example of this symbol seen during the Early Cycladic period see "Minoan and Mycenaean Art" by Reynold Higgins, Praeger Pub., New York, 1967, p.54. The example cited is a ceramic vase with incised connecting-spiral line decoration.) The wavy-line symbol is also seen on massive storage jars (pithoi) from Crete, circa 1900-1400 B.C. (Ibid, p.108-109.) These wavy-line designs, seen on these pithoi from Crete, are often seen between bands with chevron designs, and this is very analogous to the design seen on these bronze armlets. The wavy-line designs may also imitate the rope cradles which would have been used to transport these large pithoi which date from the fifteenth century B.C., and many of these examples can now be seen in the British Museum. (See attached photo of a pithoi from the palace of Knossos. Ibid, page 109.) Large scale Greek/Mycenaean bronze jewelry, such as these armlets, are much rarer than ceramics from this period, as bronze from this period was regarded as being very valuable, principally because it could be smelted into weapons. It is also probable that the bronze that went into these extremely rare armlets was from Cyprus, as Cyprus had a vibrant export trade in bronze during the period these armlets were produced circa 1400-1100 B.C., and the Greek/Mycenaean culture was present on Cyprus during this period as well. Waves of Achaeans from the Peloponnese settled in Cyprus circa 1200 B.C., and they brought with them a new style of potttery, new metallurgical techniques, and bronzework. Large scale bronze works were created circa 1200-1100 B.C., including tripod stands decorated with figures in relief, large cauldrons and situlae, and weapons of new types. A four-legged bronze stand, with a composite ring at the top that has a connecting-spiral pattern within, and stylized rams head with spiral horns seen above each leg, is now seen in the Cyprus Museum, Nicosia. This four-legged bronze stand dated 12th century B.C., has very analogous design elements relative to the massive bronze armlets that are offered here, and this leads to the conclusion that these armlets probably fit into this timeframe, but this does not reveal exactly where these extremely rare armlets were produced. However, the artistic style, the use of symbols that are seen on other known works of art, and the large scale size of these armlets does point to Cyprus as the place where these pieces were originally produced. (See "The Civilization of Prehistoric Cyprus", by Vassos Karageorghis, Alpine Fine Arts Pub., New York, 1983, page 210, no. 179. Also, see attached photo of the four-legged bronze stand.) These intact armlets have a superb emerald green patina with some heavy mineral deposits on the inner surfaces, and there is some spotty wear on the inner edges, and on one side on the outer edge of each armlet. The minor outer wear, seen on the one side of each armlet, also is a good indicater as to which arm each armlet was worn by the owner. These beautiful pieces also sit on custom stands and easily lift off each stand. These armlets are also solid enough to be worn today. Ex: Private German collection. I certify that these pieces are authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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