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LOT 0524
Etruscan Globular Pendant with Birds' Heads
CIRCA 8TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.
2 3/4 in. (113 grams total, 69 mm including stand).
Comprising a spherical body with biconvex collar, lateral arms ending in stylised bird-heads, pierced lobe above; mounted on a custom-made display stand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Cf. Bietti-Sestieri, A.M. & Macnamara, E., Prehistoric Metal Artefacts from Italy (3500–720 BC) in the British Museum, London, 2008, nos.533-535, for similar.
FootnotesThese globular pendants surmounted by two opposed birds heads belong to the early Iron Age phase of the Etruscan-Villanovan culture. The heads are those of aquatic birds, whose motif is often repeated on the embossed belt-cuirasses decorating the waists of high-status men and women.
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AUCTIONS:
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Etrusco-Corinthian Bowl with Painted Ducks
575-550 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
Squat skyphos on a low, pared conical base; two small horizontal handles round in section, short flaring everted rim; painted in dark brown with decoration limited to two window-like areas between the handles; on either side of the bowl two large ducks moving to the right with incision and overpaint clarifying the mass of the bodies, wings indicated with two quick horizontal strokes and a row of pendant arcs or scallops with dots of red and white overpaint for a rich, feathered effect; rosettes filling the space around the ducks. 257 grams, 18 cm wide
In the collection of Mr Ulfert Wilke, founding Director of the University of Iowa Museum of Art. Acquired from Ulfert Wilke on 29 May 1968. From the collection of Dr Howard Sirak, Columbus, Ohio, USA. Ex I.M. Chait Gallery, Los Angeles, USA, 14 December 2020, lot 212. Property of a South Australian private collector, with collection reference 20.34. Accompanied by detailed collector's catalogue pages including description and photograph.
The catalogue cites this piece as no. 3.10 from the Wilke Collection and the original sticker is on the base. The catalogue was for the exhibition at the University of Iowa Museum of Art from 17 March to 30 April 1971. -
Villanovan Impasto Oinochoe with Graffiti
Circa 8th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £624
Three-lobed mouth with elongated beak, truncated-conical neck, shoulder with a convex profile, biconical body, low and flat foot, double rod handle set on the mouth and shoulder; small hole below equator. 592 grams, 21 cm high
Showplace Auction Centre, auction 308, lot 174. Property of a South Australian private collector, with collection reference 23.09. Accompanied by detailed collector's catalogue pages including description and photograph.
There is a similar vessel in Collection CA p18 n17 without decoration. The form is the same (height 25cm). Different varieties of it are known depending on the high or short neck, the flattened or globular or ovoid body, the flat or ring-shaped or splayed foot, the ribbon-like handle or the single or multiple rod. The known specimens come from different localities: Narce, Faleri, Bisenzio, Vetulonia, Tarquinia, Volsiniese countryside, upper Fiora valley. For parallel with ribs, see Antikenmuseum Basel + Sammlung Ludwig, p. 19, E 9, Schnabelkanne aus Impasto, first half seventh century, height 22.6cm. The shape of this handmade pot is particularly bold and simple. The few attached ribs, the bar handles brought together at the top, the high neck and the steep, cloverleaf-shaped mouth form ascending lines, but at the same time contribute to the balance of the shape due to their curve. These pots have primarily been found in Bisenzio, where they were probably made. -
Greek Campanian Red-Figure Bail-Amphora with Male Figures
Circa 4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
Comprising a tapering body and tiered foot, trumpet-shaped mouth with arched handle and bail; vertical rays to the neck, wave pattern to the shoulder, reserved male figure wearing a himation and holding a thyrsus, with tendrils and objects in the field. 733 grams, 36.5 cm
From a British deceased estate. with Christie's, London, 28 April 2009, no.239. Property of a North London collector. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages.
