Cypriot Wishbone Redware Dipper Cup

Carved figure of Apollo squatting with wreath to the hair, holding a goose in his lap against his chest, right leg folded and left leg bent beneath him; applied discs to the eyes. 978 grams, 19.5 cm



with Bonham's, New Bond Street, 22 April, 1999, lot 80. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

The swan or goose was the favoured bird of Apollo.

Modelled in the round with soft youthful features, short beard, small mouth and large lentoid eyes, tousled hair with a diadem above the brow; socket to the top of the head and remains of a spur to the reverse; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 3.86 kg total, 26.5 cm high including stand



Joseph Klein collection, formed in New York 1941-1980, thence by descent. Acquired from Bonhams, London, 24 October 2012, no.2. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12002-212101.

Votive sculptures were the commonest form of Cypriot sculptures of the period. They were erected within the precincts of temples or covered sanctuaries, around the altar at which the god was worshipped. Thus, on Cyprus, the statuary was conceived as an ex-voto, an image expressing the desire of the believer to enter into intimate communion with and reside under the eternal protection of the gods.

Fragments including carinated bowl with painted frieze to the shoulder, squat jar, cup with everted rim and other types. 2.1 kg total, 9-14 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.