Specialties
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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
$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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Powerful Mayan Green Stone Pectoral Mask: X-Rare
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Americas:
Pre Columbian:
Stone:
Pre AD 1000 item# 812519
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
Price On Request
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This nice power type piece dates circa 200-500 A.D., is from the Peten region of Guatemala, and is a Mayan green stone mask that was a pectoral that served as the central element in a ceremonial necklace. This piece is approximately 3.5 inches wide by 4.8 inches high, is a complete example with no repair and/or breaks, and is in superb condition save for some minor roughness at the back top. This green stone mask may be fuchsite or a diopside, as there are attractive (mica?) speckled silver inclusions that are readily seen within the stone. There are also light brown mineral deposits seen on sections of the outer surface, and dark brown mineral deposits seen in most of the lower relief sections of this piece. The Maya highly valued this type of green stone, and there are few authentic ancient Mayan green stone objects carved made from this material, and as such, this piece is extremely rare. This piece was valued highly enough in that it was placed as the central component in a ceremonial necklace, and there is a bow drilled hole on each side of this mask that held it in place within the necklace. In addition, the eyes and mouth were formed into the stone by a "pecking" technique, and the back side of this piece has a concave surface. (For an anlogous designed necklace made from a similiar type green stone see "Maya" by Peter Schmidt, Ed., Rizzoli Pub., Venice, Italy, 1998, no. 140. This piece is also seen in the Museo National de Antropologia in Mexico City, Inv. no. 10-000220.) Carved green stone objects, such as the extremely rare piece offered here, were highly valued by the Maya and reinforced the high rank of individuals wearing them. In the Classic period, green stone objects and beads made for the Mayan elite actually achieved the status of "money", such was the importance and acceptance of these objects. One principle reason for this was that these green stones are the same color as sprouting maize, which represented life on earth and in the spirit world. Sacred Mayan green stone objects were passed down from generation to generation, placed in sacrificial caches, and used as grave offerings. The pectoral mask offered here is also interesting in that the design of the face resembles the Mayan hieroglyph "ahau", meaning "lord", as it is written in its simplest form. There are also many forms of this common Mayan "lord" glyph, and this "lord" glyph evolved over time, but the form of the piece offered here is closest to the simple "lord" glyph seen during the Classical period, which is also the period that this piece was produced. Both the simple "lord" glyph and the piece offered here have rounded eyes and mouth, thick lips that run around the mouth opening, and two vertical lines that run from the upper lip to the forehead that form the design of the nose and the face of the glyph. (For this theory and a chart of line drawings relative to the evolution of the "Ahau" glyph see "The Stylistic History of the Mayan Hieroglyphs", by Dr. Hermann Beyer, Tulane University Pub., New Orleans, 1932.) The fact that this mask resembles the Mayan simple "lord" glyph is not surprising, as it was probably an important Mayan lord that wore this piece in ceremony and perhaps even in death, and as such, this piece can be considered a "power" type object. This piece is mounted on a custom metal base and can easily be removed. This piece has also been authenticated by Mr. Robert Sonin and Mr. David Joralemon in New York, and was examined in great detail by both parties. Ex: Martin Falk collection, Long Island, New York (acquired circa 1960's.). Ex: Arte Primitivo, Fine Pre-Columbian Auction, New York, Auction 46, no.125. Ex: Private French 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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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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Near Eastern Sassanian Steatite Ellipsoid Animal Seal
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Near Eastern:
Stone:
Pre AD 1000 item# 924673
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$565.00
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This Sassanian seal has an image of an animal, possibly a wolf or a fox. The carved image is seen on the flat side of the piece, and this piece dates circa 4th-5th century A.D. The carving is done by the creation of deep lines which accent the limbs and head of the animal. This piece is made of a hard black steatite, which is very difficult to carve, and consequently, there are few Sassanian seals that are made from this material. This piece is approximately .6 inches high, and has six carved round decorative circles that are carved in high relief. These circles are a hallmark of fine Sassanian artistic style, and this type of carving is seen on carved Sassanian glass beakers. (For the type see "Masterpieces of Glass in The British Museum", by D.B. Harden, London, 1968, no.137.) There is also a bow-drilled hole that is seen at the center of the piece, and this piece was probably part of a necklace. There are some dark brown deposits seen in various sections of the piece, and there are some minute stress cracks which are an excellent mark of authenticity. This type of seal is scarce, as the material is made of a hard black steatite and the degree of workmanship is very high. This piece is from modern day Iran and the black steatite stone is native to this region. 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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Flawless Roman Glass Cup with Ring Base
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Roman:
Glass:
Pre AD 1000 item# 924277
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$875.00
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This beautiful piece is a flawless Roman glass cup that is in mint condition, with no chips and/or cracks. This piece is a blue/green glass, is approximately 2.8 inches high by 3.8 inches in diameter, and has attractive root marks with a multi-iridescent patina. This piece dates circa 2nd century A.D.-early 3rd century A.D., and has a ring base which is normally seen on larger pieces that are classified as "bowls". An analogous example is seen in "Roman and Pre-Roman Glass in the Royal Ontario Museum " by John Hayes, Toronto, 1975, no. 178. This piece is an exceptional scarce roman glass cup/beaker that is designed as a larger "bowl" type. Ex: Fortuna Fine Arts, 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 Sub-Mycenaean Terracotta Amphora: 900-600 B.C.
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Pottery:
Pre AD 1000 item# 594153
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$465.00
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This attractive piece is a Greek terracotta amphora that dates circa 1100-700 B.C., and is Sub-Mycenaean (Iron Age I & II). This light red terracotta is intact and has nice heavy white calcite deposits seen within the vessel. There are also spotty white calcite deposits seen on the outside surface and the inner surface has traces of root marking. This piece was probably used a table ware vessel and is approximately 4.6 inches high. A nice intact vessel with good eye appeal. Ex: Private New York collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Mixtec Greenstone Penate Figurine
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Americas:
Pre Columbian:
Stone:
Pre 1492 item# 924059
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$675.00
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This nice piece is a carved greenstone "penate", i.e. "pendant", figurine that is approximately 3.25 inches high. This piece is a larger example, with a higher quality green colored stone, than what is usually seen. This attractive piece is Mixtec, dates circa 1100-1500 A.D., and was worn as a protective amulet. This piece has a bow-drilled hole at the top back side, which allowed this piece to be worn and suspended in an upward position. The body of this piece has a flat backside and is carved with a bi-facial front side. The eyes are bow-drilled and there are string cuts that define the head, torso, and legs. This greenstone piece has a nice patina that has dark black spots and light brown deposits. This piece has also been authenticated by Mr. Robert Sonin in New York. This piece hangs on a custom stand, can quickly be removed, and can easily be worn today on a leather cord. Ex: Renee Neu collection, New York. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Large Egyptian Faience Aryballos Vessel
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Egyptian:
Pre AD 1000 item# 593020
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
Price on request.
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This very large Egyptian faience aryballos is from the Late Period, 26th Dynasty, circa 664-525 B.C. This rare piece is turquoise blue in color and has five registers of decoration. There is a small round depression on the bottom that is surrounded by thirty-two petals, with a double row of lotus leaves above. There is a cross hatching design seen through the middle of the body and two rows of petals above. This piece has a wide strap designed handle and has light brown spotty deposits. There is also considerable white calcite deposits seen on the inside of the vessel. This piece had old repair that was skillfully repaired, from three large fragments, and this piece is 100% original. This piece is rare to extremely rare and was probably produced in Naukratis, a port in the Egyptian delta founded by the Greeks circa 7th century B.C. Naukratis was an exclusive Greek community organized by Amasis, and many of it's exports found their way into many foreign markets, including the Etruscans who coveted Greek and Egyptian objects. This piece is analogous to another example that is seen in "Archaic Greek Faience" by V. Webb, 1978, no. 743. This piece is approximately 4.25 inches high and has a nice even light blue color. A custom clear plexiglas stand is included. Ex: European private collection, 1970's. Ex: Fortuna Fine Arts, New York. Ex: Christie's Antiquities, New York, June 2003, no. 41.($8,000.00-$12,000.00 estimates.) 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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Greek Bronze Caltrop War Spike: 4th century B.C.
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 592140
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1275.00
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This scarce piece is a Greek bronze spike that is in the form of a jack. This piece dates circa 4th century BC and is approximately 2.5 inches high. This piece is known as a "caltrop" and was used on the battlefield against tightly packed infantry and cavalry formations. This piece was spread out in an area that was in need of protection, and was an effective weapon when hundreds of these would be strategically placed in an area unknown to the enemy. This weapon was especially effective against cavalry, and placing these pieces was such that whatever way it chanced to fall, one spike would always point upwards. In the battle of Gaugamela circa 331 BC, Alexander the Great had advance knowledge that Darius had planted these in the soil. The surface caltrop seen here was easy to distribute, but the buried ones must have been more insidious, as even the type seen here would stop a man or a horse in his tracks. In reality, this piece may be the world's first anti-personal mine. It may also be that Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great, first developed this weapon. At the battle of Chaeronea circa 338 BC, the combined armies of Athens and Thebes met the Macedonian army under Philip II and his son, Alexander. Philip easily won the day with his force of heavily equipped cavalry, and historians have had trouble explaining exactly why the Athenian cavalry did not effectively get into the action. It may be because of the weapon seen above, as the Athenian cavalry was known to have been stationed on the wings of the Athenian infantry formation, and may have mounted an attack on the Macedonian wing where this weapon could have been spread. On the other hand, the Macedonian heavy cavalry attacked into the gaps in the center of the Athenian and Theban force. If this scenario is true, then this weapon could have changed the face of history in a bigger way than what is now known. These pieces are now rare to extremely rare, as after a battle they were collected to be used again or melted down into another object. This piece has a dark green patina with some calcite deposits and was cast as one piece. An interesting and rare ancient work of armour. Ex: Private English collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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