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Lot 382
Viking Age, Ca. 900–1100 AD. A beautiful bronze pendant in the shape of an axe or Perun amulet comprising a suspension loop and a stylised axe with a notched head, and impressed concentric circles intended to decorate the outward-facing surface. This type of amulet is modelled after the axe Molnia and is often seen as a counterpart to the common Mjolnir amulet. Some associate these axe pendants with Perun who was the ruler of the living world, sky and earth who used the axe to kill the snake that stole the earthly light. Excellent condition, wearable. For more information on Viking jewellery, see Arbman, H. (1940). Birka I Die Gräber. Uppsala & Hubbard, B. (2016) The Viking Warrior. Amber Books Ltd, London, 61–65.Size: L:52mm / W:35mm ; 12gProvenance: Private London collection since the 1990.
Lot 385
Viking Age, Ca. 900–1100 AD. A beautiful pendant in the shape of an axe. The curved miniature bronze axe-head is of the Scandinavian type, with a long gently curved blade and recurved horns to the inner edges; a hole is punched through the centre. The shaft hole is to be used as a loop for the necklace's chain. This type of amulet is modelled after the axe Molnia and is often seen as a counterpart to the common Mjölnir amulet. Some associate these axe pendants with Perun who was the ruler of the living world, sky and earth who used the axe to kill the snake that stole the earthly light. For more information on Viking jewellery, see Arbman, H. (1940). Birka I Die Gräber. Uppsala & Hubbard, B. (2016) The Viking Warrior. Amber Books Ltd, London, 61-65.Size: L:30mm / W:45mm ; 8.8gProvenance: Private London collection since the 1990.
Lot 405
Viking Age, Ca. 1000 AD. A bronze finger ring with a round hoop, decorated shoulders and a circular bezel which bears incised decoration in the form of a left-facing dragon. These rings were given to warriors as symbols of strength and protection, and the intricate dragon designs were believed to have magical properties. Not only were they seen as powerful objects, but they were also believed to bring luck, health, and wealth to the wearer.Size: D: 18.34mm / US: 8 1/4 / UK: Q; 7.62gProvenance: Private UK collection.
Lot 406
Ca. 1000-1500 AD. A bronze ring with a circular hoop and a round bezel bearing an engraved stylised cross within a frame. The Cross, the principal symbol of Christianity, recalls the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his Passion and death. The cross is thus a sign both of Christ himself and of the faith of Christians. The cross that the Crusaders wore on their robes was a symbol of martyrdom, and to die in combat was considered a great honour that assured a place in heaven.Size: D: 17.73mm / US: 7 1/2 / UK: O 1/2; 6.47gProvenance: Private UK collection.
Lot 407
Ca. 500-600 AD. A bronze radiate bow brooch, with a semi-circular head featuring five radiating knobs; the head is connected by an arched bow to a polygonal plate and a bulging sub-rectangular terminal. The whole front of the brooch is covered with incised geometric motifs; the reverse is undecorated. The Goths were a Germanic people who conquered much of what is now Spain, southern France, and Italy in the later 5th century, marking the passage of the Roman world into the Early Middle Ages. They are particularly known for their distinctive metalwork, including brooches, belt sets, and jewellery.Size: L:135mm / W:70mm ; 51.35gProvenance: Private UK collection; From an old London collection formed in the 1990s
Lot 408
Migration period (possibly Hunnic or Gothic), Ca. 500–700 AD. A beautiful bronze ring with a circular band with flared shoulders and an octagonal bezel with an incised border framing a central right-facing portrait of a man with a soft cap. The Migration Period, which started during the decline of the Western Roman Empire (ca. 5th century AD), saw the widespread migration of and invasions by peoples, notably Germanic tribes, in the Roman Empire. To find out more, see László, G. (1974). The art of the migration period. Coral Gables, Fla: University of Miami Press. Size: D: 17.75mm / US: 7 1/2 / UK: P; 10.8g Provenance: Private UK collection.
Lot 410
Ca. 224–651 AD. A bronze ring with a circular band and an elliptical applied bezel with inset cabochon dark purple gem with a beautiful intaglio depicting a female figure facing left with a prominent nose, her hair rolled and tied in a chignon, tresses falling down her back and on her shoulders; a cloak tied is around her chest. She is most likely an aristocratic Sasanian matron. The Sasanian Empire was the last Persian imperial dynasty before the Muslim conquest in the mid seventh century AD. It lasted for over four centuries, from 224 to 651 AD, making it the longest-lived Persian dynasty. The Sasanian Empire succeeded the Parthian Empire, and re-established the Iranians as a superpower in late antiquity, alongside its neighbouring arch-rival, the Roman-Byzantine Empire. The period of Sasanian rule is considered a high point in Iranian history, and in many ways was the peak of ancient Iranian culture before the Muslim conquest. Good condition, fully wearable. Size: D: 28.35mm / US: 8 1/4 / UK: Q 1/2; 3.8g Provenance: Private UK collection.
Lot 424
Ca. 600-700 AD. A matched pair of openwork gold earrings in a crescent shape, each with a hook and eye closure and intricately decorated with granulation and tendrils. Byzantium was justly famous for the elegance of its jewellery, whether in precious metals for the aristocracy or in bronze for people further down the social ladder. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements.Size: L:30.5mm / W:25.6mm ; 8.25gProvenance: Private UK collection; From an old London collection formed in the 1990s.
Lot 427
Ca. 600-800 AD. A bronze spoon with a flat-section shaft and a shallow oval-shaped bowl. These spoons were used in the Byzantine Empire mainly for eating and serving food, but also for various other purposes, such as medical and religious ceremonies. The metalwork of the Byzantine Empire showcased marvelous craftsmanship, and the bronzes spoons created during this period are a fine example of this.Size: L:165mm / W:40mm ; 40gProvenance: Private UK collection; From an old London collection formed in the 1990s.
Lot 439
Ca. 224-651 AD. A bronze boat-shaped bowl with a raised prow and stern, and a rounded base. The bowl was created using the technique of lost-wax casting, which involved the pouring of molten metal into a wax mold. These bowls have been used for religious ceremonies or for storing food or precious objects. For a similar example see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 49.112.1.Size: L:150mm / W:90mm ; 215gProvenance: Property of a London Ancient Art gallery; formerly in Welbank collection since 1980s.
Lot 442
Ca. 224-651 AD. An exquisite bronze bowl featuring incised decoration on the outer wall, which gives it an elegant and unique appearance. This type of bowl was commonly used in the Sasanian era for a variety of purposes, such as storage or ceremonial functions. This bowl is an excellent representation of the craftsmanship and skill of Sasanian artisans, and its intricate designs and decorations are sure to be admired.Size: L:95mm / W:205mm ; 660gProvenance: Private London collection since the 1990.
Lot 449
Western Asiatic/Aegean, Ca. 1200-700 BC. A bronze spearhead with an elongated leaf-shaped blade and barbs, wide raised midrib, and a short socket that transitions into a small tang for insertion into a haft. Good condition, beautiful patina. Cf. Muscarella, Oscar White, Bronze and Iron: Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1988, item 398, p. 290.Size: L:165mm / W:35mm ; 30gProvenance: Private London collection since the 1990.
Lot 450
Western Asiatic/Aegean, Ca. 1200-700 BC. A bronze spear with a slender blade with barbs, raised midrib, bevelled edges that taper to a pointed tip, short socket, and a short tang for insertion into a haft. Good condition, beautiful patina. Bronze weaponry production flourished in Western Asia, the Aegean, and mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Cf. Muscarella, Oscar White, Bronze and Iron: Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1988, item 399, p.290.Size: L:165mm / W:25mm ; 30gProvenance: Private London collection since the 1990.
Lot 451
Western Asiatic/Aegean, Ca. 1200-700 BC. A bronze spear with a triangular-shaped blade with a raised midrib, sharpened edges that taper gradually to a pointed tip, short socket, and a tang for insertion into a haft. Good condition, beautiful patina. For more information, see Moorey, P. R. S. (1971). Catalogue of the Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmolean Museum. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 88-89.Size: L:155mm / W:25mm ; 35gProvenance: Private London collection since the 1990.
Lot 452
Western Asiatic/Aegean, Ca. 1200-700 BC. A bronze spearhead with a lozenge-shaped, lentoid sectioned blade, a raised midrib and a short neck that transitions into a small tang with a pointed terminal. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Good condition, nice patina.Size: L:155mm / W:25mm ; 25gProvenance: Private London collection since the 1990.
Lot 453
Western Asiatic/Aegean, Ca. 1200-700 BC. A bronze spearhead with an elongated leaf-shaped blade and barbs, wide raised midrib, and a short socket that transitions into a small tang for insertion into a haft. Good condition, beautiful patina. Cf. Muscarella, Oscar White, Bronze and Iron: Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1988, item 398, p. 290.Size: L:165mm / W:32mm ; 35gProvenance: Private London collection since the 1990.
Lot 454
Ca. 1st millennium BC. A fantastic lot of ancient weaponry and jewellery, dating back to the Bronze Age, featuring bronze spearheads of various types, an axe, bracelets and a cage type amulet. The Bronze Age saw a remarkable period of metalwork production, with the crafting of both weaponry and jewellery. During this time, humans first discovered and began to work with gold and bronze, which soon replaced earlier stone tools and weapons in the region. Bronze was much harder and more durable than copper, making it an ideal material for tools and weapons.Size: L:60-275mm / W:25-70mm ; 1.43kgProvenance: Private London collection since the 1990.
Lot 455
Western Asiatic/Aegean, Ca. 1200-700 BC. A fantastic lot of ancient weaponry featuring eight bronze spears (leaf-shaped and triangular-shaped, some with a raised midrib which transitions into the neck and tang), and two axes (one flat axe with curved cutting edge and the other with an adze blade to the rear). Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Good condition.Size: L:110-225mm / W:25-50mm ; 825gProvenance: Private London collection since the 1990.
Lot 456
Western Asiatic/Aegean, Ca. 1200-700 BC. This amazing group of 10 bronze spearheads is truly a remarkable piece of history. Each spearhead features a pronounced midrib, as well as a leaf-shaped or pyramidal-shaped design, and they all have a gorgeous patina that highlights their fine craftsmanship. This is a unique and special find that would be perfect for any collector of ancient artifacts. See similar spearheads in Muscarella, O.W., Bronze and Iron Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1988, pp.289-292.Size: L:140-180mm / W:15-25mm ; 275gProvenance: Private London collection since the 1990.
Lot 457
Western Asiatic/Aegean, Ca. 1200-700 BC. This fantastic group of 10 bronze spearheads consists of pieces with a beautiful patina and a variety of shapes and designs. From the pronounced midrib to the leaf- and pyramidal-shaped designs, each one is unique. Whether for display or a study, these spearheads are an amazing find and will make a great addition to any collection. See similar spearheads in Muscarella, O.W., Bronze and Iron Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1988, pp.289-292.Size: L:110-160mm / W:20-30mm ; 260gProvenance: Private London collection since the 1990.
Lot 459
Ca. 1000-800 AD. A rare Luristan bronze pair of harness rings; cast in a beautiful style, each depicting a stag with long, curved horns between two zoomorphic beasts. A great example that once was part of the elaborate equipment of an important person’s horse. Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 1988.102.23.Size: L:50mm / W:65mm ; 74gProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.
Lot 460
Ca. 1000-800 AD. A rare Luristan bronze pair of harness rings; cast in a beautiful style, each depicting a zoomorphic beast with wings. A great example that once was part of the elaborate equipment of an important person’s horse.Size: L:92mm / W:120mm ; 319gProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.
Lot 463
Ca. 800-500 BC. A bronze bowl featuring a truncated body with a broad opening. This beautiful bowl may have been used on ritual occasions and during banqueting. The Achaemenid Empire (the first Persian empire) was an ancient empire founded by Cyrus the Great and stretching from the Balkans and Eastern Europe to the Indus Valley and covering 5.5 million square kilometres at its height. This empire is also famous for being the antagonist of the Greek city states during the Greco-Persian wars.Size: L:160mm / W:90mm ; 285gProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.
Lot 464
Ca. 800-500 BC. A bronze libation bowl of hemispherical body with an attractive, lustrous patina across the vessel. Bowls of this kind were used for pouring libations to the gods and for drinking on more ordinary occasions.Size: L:165mm / W:50mm ; 180gProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.
Lot 465
Western Asia, Elamite, Ca. 900-700 BC. A cast bronze sword with a pronounced midrib, and is sharply tapered towards the tip, making it ideal for thrusting and slashing. This well-balanced weapon features a slender round section hilt that joins to a pommel. The hilt is decorated with recesses, possibly for an inlay. This sword is typical of the Elamite culture in the northern part of Iran below the Caspian Sea and dates from the Bronze Age. Size: L:580mm / W:75mm ; 945gProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.
Lot 470
Western Asiatic/Aegean, Ca. 1200-700 BC. A bronze sword with a triangular blade, flat guard, grip to accept an inlaid, and a crescent-shaped pommel. The blade is made of a high quality bronze and is semi-sharpened on the two sides. The grip, also made of bronze, is designed to fit comfortably in the user's hand and once was inlaid with a decorative panel. This Bronze Age weapon was crafted to last, and is a testament to the skill of the Aegean artisans. It was a formidable weapon, capable of delivering devastating blows to an enemy.Size: L:470mm / W:50mm ; 675gProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.
Lot 471
Western Asiatic/Aegean, Ca. 1200-700 BC. A bronze sword with a double-sided blade with a thick midrib, tapering to a sharp point. The hilt would have been wrapped with leather to provide a comfortable grip for the user. The sword would have been cast in a rough mold and then the edges would have been forged, giving them a sharpened edge and simultaneously hardening the surfaces.Size: L:460mm / W:50mm ; 570gProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.
Lot 472
Western Asiatic/Aegean, Ca. 1200-700 BC. This beautiful cast bronze sword has a tapering, bevelled blade and a heavy "skull crusher" handle comprising a vertical cylindrical grip terminating in two heavy bronze loops arranged at a slight angle. Size: L:290mm / W:25mm ; 115gProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.
Lot 473
Western Asiatic, Ca. 1200-700 BC. A cast bronze axe with short and cylindrical shaft-hole and an elongated and rectangular head broadening into a flat end. Bronze weaponry production flourished from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, mace heads, spears and arrows were exchanged via trade and war and are discovered in both civic and ritual context. Size: L:50mm / W:210mm ; 1.4kgProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.
Lot 474
Western Asiatic, Ca. 1200-700 BC. A bronze axe head with a curved blade, tapering cheek, and a wedge-shaped adze to the rear. The shaft short and cylindrical. An axe such as this one would have been an important symbol of rank, and have served a purpose in warfare, but also in religious contexts as axes were common votive offerings in shrines.Size: L:95mm / W:250mm ; 1.23kgProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.
Lot 475
Western Asiatic, Ca. 1200-700 BC. A double axe-head cast in bronze. The weapon features a short cylindrical shaft hole with a collar, a flattened top with a vertical crescent-shaped blade with sides that broaden out towards the cutting edge and a smaller horizontal blade to the back. Beautiful green patination covers the surface.Size: L:75mm / W:215mm ; 1.18kgProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.
Lot 484
Ca. 2200 BC. A beautiful terracotta vessel of a squat, bulbous body gently tapering to a flat circular base. The upper body is finely decorated with two pairs of ibexes, each with spectacular recurved horns. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in ca. 3300 BC and lasted until ca. 1300 though its heyday. Cf. N. Satyawadi, 1994. Proto-Historic Pottery of the Indus Valley Civilisation: Study of Painted Motifs, New Delhi.Size: L:240mm / W:270mm ; 3.1kgProvenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s in Belgium; previously in 1970s European collection.
Lot 495
Ca. 2nd millennium BC. A finely modelled cast bronze handle, featuring a flat-section body with one end curled and the other embellished with a standing elephant. The animal is modelled in a rather naturalistic manner with emphasized facial features. Bactrian metalworkers had a reputation for excellence and innovation, developing techniques and tools which allowed them to create intricate, finely detailed objects and weapons.Size: L:200mm / W:30mm ; 255gProvenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s in Belgium; previously in 1970s European collection.
Lot 509
Ca. 300 BC or later. A bronze vessel with flat base, globular body, wide, cylindrical neck, flared rim, strap handle and upwards-facing spout surmounted by a stylised bust of an elephant. This gorgeous piece attests to the highly skilled craftsmanship of ancient Bactria, where artisans worked to create intricate tablewares for use in elaborate banquets. Banqueting was a major part of aristocratic culture in antiquity and required a range of specialised utensils and vessels such as this one. Excellent condition, beautiful patina.Size: L:225mm / W:255mm ; 2.06kgProvenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in Tokyo, Japan in 2003; formerly in old Japanese collection since the 1970s.
Lot 524
Western Zhou Dynasty, Ca. 1045-771 BC. A beautiful bronze ritual wine vessel with a slightly domed cover. The broad spherical body stands on a splayed foot, the broad handle ends in two horned animal heads on each side. The body is decorated with a wavy band. 'You' is a ritual wine vessel with a lid and a long U-shaped handle. It entered the religious repertoire in the first century of the Anyang period of the late Shang Dynasty and was in use until the middle Western Zhou period. Incorporating techniques from its Shang predecessors, the Western Zhou dynasty culminated with the prior as the Chinese Bronze Age and established a tremendous material culture of bronze works from 2,000 to 771 BC. The most commonly produced bronzes during the Western Zhou dynasty came in the form of vessels, although other objects included grandiose chariot decorations and fierce weaponry. For more information on this kind of vessels, see Shih, Hsio- Yen (ed.) (1986). Ancient Chinese Bronzes. Oxford University Press.Size: L:335mm / W:175mm ; 2.11kgProvenance: East Anglian private collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong.
Lot 525
Ca. 475 BC - 221 BC. Warring States Period. An inlaid cylindrical bronze box with two highly prancing geometric griffins, picked out with silver and gold inlay. The Warring States Period was an era of Chinese history characterised by an extensive and ongoing conflict between a multitude of statelets and kingdoms which ultimately culminated in the Qin state's victory and the first unification of China into a single empire. In order to confirm its authenticity, this piece has undergone X-Ray Fluorescence analysis. The samples collected show the chemical composition to reflect the typical metal contents of the described period, whilst also showing no modern trace elements in the patina.Size: L:110mm / W:30mm ; 96gProvenance: Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.
Lot 526
Ca. 202BC-220AD. A beautiful bronze figurine of a bull standing alert on all four legs with nicely detailed hooves. The animal is naturalistically modelled with a heavy body, a long tail extending between legs, short horns, small ears, a thick dewlap, open mouth, nostrils, and recessed lidded eyes. In order to confirm its authenticity, this piece has undergone X-Ray Fluorescence analysis by an independent Belgian Laboratory. The samples collected show the chemical composition to reflect the typical metal contents of the described period, whilst also showing no modern trace elements in the patina.Size: L:175mm / W:240mm ; 1.8kgProvenance: East Anglian private collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong.
Lot 527
Warring States period, Ca. 475–221 BC. An S-shaped curved gilded bronze belt hook surmounted by a small dragon head with a long slender neck that curves gracefully to a broader body and a taotie mask end. Finely engraved volutes form a beautifully laid out geometric pattern. The reverse is set with a round button for fastening to a belt. The Warring States period was one of the most fertile and influential in Chinese history. It not only saw the rise of many of the great philosophers of Chinese civilization, including the Confucian thinkers Mencius and Xunzi, but also witnessed the establishment of many of the governmental structures and cultural patterns that were to characterize China for the next 2,000 years. Dragons were commonly depicted on belt hooks during the Warring States period. See, for instance, the faceted bronze belt hook decorated in gold and silver inlay with intertwined dragons illustrated by J. M. White and E. C. Bunker in the catalogue for the exhibition, 'Adornment for Eternity: Status and Rank in Chinese Ornament', Denver Art Museum, 1994, p. 189, no. 101. This piece has undergone X-Ray Fluorescence analysis by an independent Belgian Laboratory. The samples collected show the chemical composition to reflect the typical metal contents of the described period, whilst also showing no modern trace elements in the patina.Size: L:195mm / W:40mm ; 130gProvenance: UK private collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong.
Lot 528
Ca. 1045 - 771 BC. Western Zhou Dynasty. A beautiful bronze ritual food vessel, ‘gui’. The broad rounded body stands on a splayed foot and is decorated with whorl and geometric design bands to the body and to the foot. Two ram-headed C-scroll handles are attached on the side. A ‘gui’ is a type of bowl-shaped ancient Chinese ritual bronze vessel used to hold offerings of food for ancestral tombs. As with other shapes, the ritual bronzes followed early pottery versions for domestic use, and were recalled in later art in both metal, pottery, and sometimes stone. The shape changed somewhat over the centuries, but constant characteristics are a circular form, with a rounded, wide, profile or shape from the side, standing on a narrower rim or foot. There are usually two, or sometimes four, handles, and there may be a cover or a square base (or both). The Kang Hou Gui, an 11th-century BC example in the British Museum was chosen as object 23 in the A History of the World in 100 Objects. For more information, see Shih, Hsio- Yen (ed.) (1986). Ancient Chinese Bronzes. Oxford University Press.Size: L:150mm / W:350mm ; 1.7kgProvenance: UK Private Collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong.
Lot 80
Ca. 700-600 BC. A bronze stand composed of three hoofed feet with a female atop the structure. The woman is depicted naked, standing with feet together, with a bob-like coiffure, protruding breasts, a slim waist, and wide hips. She stares ahead and holds a lamp or chalice in her left hand. This piece most likely served as a support for a censer bowl used for the burning of incense. For a similar example, see The British Museum, Museum number 135070.Size: L:255mm / W:148mm ; 1kgProvenance: Private UK collection; From an old British collection formed in the 1990s.
Lot 87
Ca. 500-400 BC. A beautiful bronze phiale that is adorned with a ribbed design around its round omphalos. This bowl was considered an important part of ancient Greek culture and was used for a variety of religious ceremonies and rituals. The phiale was used for pouring libations, or offerings of wine, grain, and oil to the gods. These bowls were often used for sacrifices and were sometimes considered sacred objects. The round omphalos at the center of the phiale was said to be a representation of the navel of the world, connecting the gods with the mortals. This symbol was considered to be a powerful one and was believed to protect the user from evil and misfortune. These bowls were also used in everyday life and were a common feature in the homes of ancient Greeks.Size: L:50mm / W:205mm ; 415gProvenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s in Belgium; previously in 1970s European collection.
Lot 9
Ca. 100 AD . The plump figure depicted nude, striding forward with his right leg advanced, his left arm stretched holding a horn, his long wavy hair tied in a topknot with a braid running back over the crown of the head, his face framed by ringlets, his eyes articulated, his lips parted, two rectangular mortises on the reverse for insertion of now-missing wings. In addition to capturing the god in motion, the sculptor of this piece has rendered an expressive visage with generously lidded almond-shaped eyes, delineated pupils/irises, a perky nose, parted lips as if singing or laughing - his cherubic rounded visage framed by curls with a prominent knot of hair above his forehead. The hair atop his head is braided with curls cascading over the back of his neck. For similar see Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, with similar hairstyle, facial features and plump anatomy see no. 72 in Kozloff and Mitten, et al., The Gods Delight, The Human Figure in Classical Bronze. Size: L:235mm / W:75mm; 1.4kgProvenance: Property of a London gentleman; formerly in the private collection of Mr. R.A.; British art Market 1990s.
Lot 10
Ca. 300-200 BC. An Eastern Greek cast bronze statuette of Herakles modelled to a fine standard. He stands in the position of a hero with his left arm holding a club above his head; his head with large almond-shaped eyes, small petite nose, and mouth with a gentle smile, he has short hair in granule-like clumps, his body depicting the curvature of his muscular physique. His chest has been highlighted with muscular abdomen with stylised nipples, genitalia portraying his youthful fertility, his right arm missing, although remnants showing he is holding the fur of the Nemean lion. For similar see Langlotz, Ernst. 1927. Fruehgriechische Bildhauerschulen. no. 26, pl. 27, b, Nuremburg: E. Frommann & Sohn. Richter, Gisela M. A. 1928. ""A Bronze Statuette of Herakles."" Bulletin of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 23(11): pp. 266–68, figs. 1–3. Richter, Gisela M. A. 1930. Handbook of the Classical Collection. pp. 346–47, fig. 248, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. For reference see The Metropolitan Museum of Art: 28.77.Size: L:175mm (with stand) / W:60mm; 420gProvenance: Property of a London gentleman; formerly in the private collection of Mr. R.A.; British art Market 1990s.
Lot 11
Ca. 100-300 AD. A charming cast bronze statuette is the representation of Diana (in Greek Mythology Artemis), goddess of the hunt, presented in a dynamic pose with feet side by side, her arms raised and positioned as if drawing a bow at her target. She looks forward with a focused visage, her elegant facial features well delineated and crowned by a centrally-parted coiffure that is rolled back from her forehead and topped by a leafy wreath or diadem. Her wonderfully posed body is covered by flowing garments with billowing drapery folds. The young woman also wears laced boots tied on the front and on top of her feet. Item comes with a professional historical report from Ancient Report Specialists. For a comparison see Museo Archeologico Nazionale delle Marche, Ancona, inv. 538. Size: L:130mm / W:55mm ; 26g.Provenance: Private London collection; formerly in a Swiss family collection, acquired in the 1980s and 1990s.
Lot 127
Ca. 600-500 BC. A fine group of three bronze vessels including two with a carinated profile and one hemispherical bowl. These types of vessels were often used in religious ceremonies and burials and were believed to have magical powers. In addition, they were often exchanged as gifts between family members and friends. The Etruscans were a powerful civilization that lived in Central Italy between the 8th and 3rd centuries BC. They are famous for their intricate metalwork, especially in bronze.Size: L:60-95mm / W:90-120mm ; 420gProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1980s
Lot 131
Ca. 1200-700 BC. A bronze "Trojan" sword blade with prominent rib, and winged guards that provide protection for the wielder. The blade is sharp and has a slender profile that makes it suitable for slicing and thrusting. Cf. Muscarella, O. W. (1988). Bronze and Iron: Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.Size: L:495mm / W:57mm ; 355gProvenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s.
Lot 132
Ca. 1200-700 BC. A cast bronze "Trojan" sword blade with a narrow, triangular blade, raised midrib, and with sharp projecting lateral flanges and insertion tang with pointed finial. Cf. Muscarella, O. W. (1988). Bronze and Iron: Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, item 165, p. 99.Size: L:570mm / W:50mm ; 460gProvenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s.
Lot 133
Ca. 1200-700 BC. A beautiful cast bronze sword witah a tapering, bevelled blade with a raised midrib and a flat tang. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it.Size: L:434mm / W:43mm ; 225gProvenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s.
Lot 134
Ca. 800 BC. A bronze spear with a triangular blade, rounded shoulders, raised midrib, sharp edges that taper gradually to a pointed tip, long socket, and a curved tang for insertion into a haft ending in a small pommel.Size: L:455mm / W:35mm ; 190gProvenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s.
Lot 135
Ca. 1200-700 BC. A long bronze spear with an elongated leaf-shaped blade with raised midrib, sharpened edges that taper gradually to a pointed tip. Finished with a tang for insertion into a haft. Cf. Muscarella, O. W. (1988). Bronze and Iron: Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.Size: L:385mm / W:45mm ; 435gProvenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s.
Lot 136
Ca. 1200-700 BC. A bronze spearhead in a elongated and narrow form, with a thick midrib and a sharp point at the top. Weaponry production in the Western Asiatic world during this period was quite advanced. Bronze was smelted and cast in furnaces, and craftsmen were able to create intricate designs and patterns on their weapons. In addition to the bronze spearheads, other weapons were also produced such as daggers, swords, and battle axes. The bronze weapon-making industry was a lucrative one in the ancient Near East. Cf. Bonhams, Antiquities, London, 20 October 2005, Lot 452.Size: L:380mm / W:47mm ; 455gProvenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s.
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