Bonhams
Lot 134
A large Cycladic marble kandila Early Cycladic I, circa 3000-2800 B.C.26cm highFootnotes:Provenance:Eli Borowski (1913-2003) collection, Switzerland.Alexander Iolas (1907-87) collection, prior to 1973-1982.Ophiuchus Collection, New York, 1982-2010.David and Corina Silich collection, Switzerland, since 2010.Exhibited:The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Virginia, 10 November 1987-10 January 1988.The Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas, 5 March-15 May 1988.The Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, California, 25 June-25 September 1988.On loan:The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1992-2010.Published:P. Getz-Preziozi, Early Cycladic Art in North American Collections, Washington, 1987, p. 277, no. 101, figs. 101a-d.I. Love, Ophiuchus Collection, Florence, 1989, p. 10, no. 1.P. Getz-Gentle, Stone Vessels of the Cyclades in the Early Bronze Age, Penn State University, 1996, p. 249, no. B29.The sizes of kandiles can vary considerably, from approximately 7cm-37cm in height, of which the above collared vase is a sizeable example. The lack of metal tools made hollowing out the interiors of these vases particularly time-consuming and as a result the vessels remain thick-walled. Despite such challenges, the symmetry and pleasing form indicate the artistic skill of the sculptors. The name 'kandila' refers to Greek church lamps which are similar in shape although it is unlikely that ancient kandiles were ever used in this way. For a discussion on kandiles see L. Fitton, Cycladic Art, The British Museum, 1989, p. 27-29.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
