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Impressive Greek Geometric Bronze Bead Necklace
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Pre AD 1000 item# 958827
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$2,375.00
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This impressive piece is a Greek bronze bead necklace, and this necklace is comprised of solid cast bronze beads that date to the Geometric period circa 750-700 B.C. This necklace is made from 13 beads which together measure approximately 17.75 inches end-to-end. All of the bronze beads are conical in design, and seven of the larger beads have a raised terminal end. The largest central bead has double-raised ridge terminal ends, and this bead is approximately 2.75 inches long. The other six largest beads measure approximately 1.5, 2, 2.4, 2.3, 1.75, and 1.25 inches long. The smaller six beads are approximately .5 to .75 inches long. These beads have an attractive dark green patina, and are all in superb condition. These beads are strung on a leather cord, and can be worn as is, or can easily be separately mounted into several different works of jewelry. The weights of the beads vary widely, and the central bead weighs approximately 29.4 gms. The other six larger beads weigh approximately 15.5, 33.5, 59.8, 30.7, 29.5, and 12.1 gms. These beads were separately hand cast, and they are all slightly different in size and weight. Two of the larger beads also have a hole from the central shaft, which probably allowed for the addition of pendants and/or other beads which hung down from these two beads. These beads were likely worn in life, as well as being votive, and are now scarce in the market. As a group, these pieces have a high degree of eye appeal and display very well. Ex: Private New York collection. I certify that these pieces are authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Greek Geometric Bronze Double-headed Bull Pendant
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Pre AD 1000 item# 723165
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1875.00-On Hold
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This esoteric Greek bronze dates to the Geometic period, circa 8th century B.C., and is in the form of a suspension pendant. There is a suspension hoop seen on the top center of the piece, and the inner hoop diameter is approximately 3/8 of an inch. This inner diameter is large enough to fit a large chain and/or hoop attachment. The overall piece is approximately 3.5 inches long and has some weight, as this piece was solid cast. The design of this esoteric piece has a graceful arc, which is analogous in design to the earlier Greek Mycenaean pendant designs that date circa 1200 B.C. This piece is well made, as it as stands by itself on the extended twin legs and is perfectly balanced. (For an analogous designed bull head and type see "Gods and Heroes of the European Brpnze Age" by Katie Demakopoulou, Thames and Hudson Pub., 1998, no. 70.) This piece may also have been part of an elaborate necklace that was made of several animal type pendants. This piece is also complete and is intact in superb condition. This piece has an attractive dark green patina with minute spotty mineral deposits. This piece also comes with a custom display stand. Ex: J. Eisenberg Collection, New York, New York. I cerify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Philip II Bronze (AE) 18 Coin with Superb Patina
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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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Greek (AE 28) Coin of Rhodos showing Helios/Alexander
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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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Unique Greek Hellenistic (AE 23mm) Coin with Asklepios
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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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Massive Greek Mycenaean Bronze Armlets: X-Rare
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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 impressive armlets have a superb dark emerald green patina, with some light blue highlights in sections of the pieces. There is also some heavy mineral deposits on the inner surfaces, and there is some spotty wear, seen on the inner edges and on one side of 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, although there is a minor stress crack in one of the armlets which can easily be repaired. Ex: Bonhams Antiquities, London. Ex: Private German collection. Ex: Axel Guttmann collection, Berlin. I certify that these pieces are authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Mint Greek Geometric Bronze Double Ax Pendant
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Pre AD 1000 item# 958305
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$865.00
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This mint quality piece is a Greek bronze pendant that is in the form of a double-ax. This scarce piece is approximately 1.5 inches high by 1.4 inches wide and dates circa 850-750 B.C. This piece has a superb dark green patina and is 100% intact, with no cracks or chips. This piece has a hole in the center, where this piece probably attached to a necklace and hung as a pendant and/or amulet. The double-ax symbol had Minoan origins circa 1500 B.C., and was a symbol that was adopted by the Mycenaean Greeks circa 1200 B.C. This symbol is also seen on Attic Geometric ceramics, circa 750 B.C., and is often seen representing a "S-type" shield, which also doubles as the main body of the painted figures. (For an example of this type of Attic ceramic see the attached photo. The example cited is seen in the National Museum, Athens.) It is quite possible that this double-ax symbol represented strength, power, and eternal life, and this may also explain why this symbol is seen in early Minoan art, circa 1500 B.C., and continues for another 750 years down to the Greek Geometric Period circa 750 B.C. (This type of symbol is often seen as a votive object, as the example seen in "Greek Civilization, Macedonia" by Julia Vokotopoulou Ed., Kapon Editions Pub., Athens, 1993, no. 111. See attached photo. This votive piece is a triple-ax pendant that was a grave offering, as it was made from a flat sheet of bronze.) The piece offered here may also have been a votive object as well, but it is a solid cast piece and was probably worn in life, as it was designed to be seen from both sides. (Another analogous example of the same size and type was offered in Bonhams Antiquities, London, April 1999, no. 306. This piece was listed with estimates of L750-L800 pounds. See attached photo.) The piece offered here can also be easily added to a modern pendant, and sits on a custom plexiglas stand that is included. Ex: Steve Rubinger collection, Los Angeles, CA. Ex: Private New York collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Cute Geometric Greek Bronze Votive Bird
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Pre AD 1000 item# 616487
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1375.00
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This cute Greek bronze bird dates from the Geometric period, circa 8th-7th century B.C. This piece was cast in the lost wax process and it is solid with no hollow core. This esoteric bird is probably a duck or a goose, as the head has a flat bill, dotted eye, elongated neck, and plump body. The dotted eye feature is a Greek Geometric period convention of art that is seen on many figural objects as well. This piece is votive in nature, as votive pieces such as this were hung as an offering to the gods in sacred oracle sites such as Delphi and Dodona, Greece. This is why there is a suspension loop seen at the top of the piece. Analogous examples have also been found at the Enodia sanctuary at Pherai, Thessaly, and at the Itonia sanctuary at Philia, Thessaly. This solid bronze piece is approximately 2.4 inches long by 1.9 inches high and is complete. This piece has a beautiful dark green patina and it is in superb condition. This piece is mounted with clay on a custom plexiglas/marble stand and can easily be removed. This piece can also stand by itself in the sitting position, which also points to the excellent workmanship of the artist. This complete piece is analogous to the example seen the Leo Mildenberg Collection, "Animals in the Leo Mildenberg Collection", Mainz, Germany, 1981, no. 76. This piece comes with a custom stand and can easily be removed. Ex: Private English collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Greek Hellenistic Bronze Relief Plaque: Eros & Panther
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Pre AD 1000 item# 595233
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1675.00
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This Greek bronze plaque dates to the Hellenistic period, circa 2nd-1st century B.C. This piece is approximately 4.5 inches long by 3.25 inches high and has extremely high relief that is approximately 1.3 inches. This piece is an Eros that is seen pulling a rope around the neck of a panther. The panther is seen facing the viewer and the body of Eros is twisted towards the viewer as well. The scene is framed by Greek palmettes and scrolls. This applique probably was part of a bronze hydria or a bronze vessel of some type. The panther was sacred to Dionysus and the Eros seen here may be a representation of Dionysus as well. This piece has a dark green patina with spotty red highlights. This piece is complete and has no breaks and is mounted on a custom metal stand. Ex: Royal-Athena Galleries, New York, New York. Published in Gods and Mortals 1989, no.13. ($3750.00 fixed price list.) Ex: New York private 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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Beautiful Greek Bronze Fluted Kalyx Cup
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Pre AD 1000 item# 633629
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$2675.00
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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. 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. 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. 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 design seen on the vessel offered here. This piece is approximately 4.4 inches in diameter by 3 inches high, and is a large example. The workmanship is also better than what is usually seen and this piece was probably made for the table of a wealthy individual, as it was 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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