Loading, please wait...
LOT 0486
Greek Bronze Signet Ring
CIRCA 4TH-2ND CENTURY B.C.
7/8 in. (2.89 grams, 23.01 mm overall, 19.79 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)).
With a D-section hoop, large rounded bezel with a geometric motif. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceProperty of a UK gentleman, acquired 20 November 1981.
Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.
Accompanied by an old handwritten identification ticket.
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Parthian Terracotta Statuette Group
3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £351
Hollow-formed, comprising: a rider on a rearing horse with chlamys extended in the wind, and wearing wide Persian trousers (saravara), red pigment in the field; Zeus enthroned, facing with an eagle at his feet, hole to the reverse. 598 grams total, 15.5 cm each
Ex private European collection. with Genève Enchères, 14 December 2017, lot 863.
The costume of Parthian nobles consisted of a tunic or wrapped jacket, trousers and boots/footwear, generally typical of a riding dress. Interestingly, the right side of the tunic was knee-length (such as those seen om early Sassanian noblemen depicted in the Persepolis graffiti) but the left side of the tunic, for many Parthian cavalrymen, appeared shorter and only reached to the upper thigh. -
Greek Bronze Handle with Lion-Skin Head
Circa 5th-4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
Formed as the skinned head and forepaws of a lion, together with two lateral handles with fastening holes surmounted by a pearled edge. 159 grams, 80 mm
Acquired on the UK art market 2000s.
The handle appears to be a device once attached to a wine vessel or pan-like vessels. The vessel handles were usually formed as divinities or animals linked with gods (ie. lions for Herakles). The lion's skin is hanging down as in representations of Herakles resting and drinking after his labours. -
Greek Terracotta Protome Mask
Late 6th-early 5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Modelled as a female head with rounded oval face, slightly bulging eyes and pronounced chin, indistinct smiling mouth with thin lips, outline of ears; low straight polos with fastening hole. 133 grams, 10.5 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The figure belongs to a common type known from mainland Greece and the islands. The head clearly shows the so-called 'Archaic smile' visible on the dedicatory protomes of the same typology. They were terracotta votive offerings attached with a nail to the shrine of a goddess for ex-voto or to receive the grace of the represented goddess (Demeter?).
