Loading, please wait...
LOT 0594
Greek Gold Pomegranate-Shaped Pendant
CIRCA 5TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.
5/8 in. (0.97 grams, 16 mm).
Formed of sheet-gold with applied loop, a small pearl enclosed within the calyx.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a late Japanese collector, 1970s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. for similar gold beads in Marshall, F.H. Catalogue of the jewellery, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman, in the department of antiquities, British Museum London, 1911, pl.XXIII, nos.1450,1458.
FootnotesFruit were generally considered to be a symbol of sensuality, temptation and fertility; the giving and accepting of fruit may be regarded as a symbolic sexual act, or at least a prelude to marriage. It follows naturally that the pomegranate, with its innumerable fleshy seeds symbolising life and fecundity, was an attribute of Aphrodite.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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.
-
Daunian Terracotta Olla
Subgeometric, 6th-5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
With a deep body on round base, flaring mouth, short loop handles to the shoulders; pendant circle segments on interior of mouth; Metope-like frieze on shoulder with triglyphs and suspended triangles, U-shaped motif at the root of the handle, horizontal bands; monochrome ware. 2.33 kg, 25.5 cm wide
The estate of Hans-Ulrich Rutschmann, Switzerland, circa 1950s-1970s. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00097644. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Etruscan Bronze Ceres Statuette
3rd-2nd century B.C.Estimate: £700 - 900 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £389
Female with hair drawn up in a chignon, palla wrapped tightly around the upper body hiding the right arm bent with the hand at the shoulder, lower hem of robe flared; fixing lug to underside. 86 grams, 71 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This is a figurine of a deity of difficult interpretation representing an ex-voto. This typology is widespread in the votive offerings of Etrusco-Roman sanctuaries, and by analogy with various statuettes could represent Ceres. -
Hellenistic Terracotta Statuette of a Wreathed Young Woman
Late 4th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Standing on a rectangular base, hair divided in regular stripes with voluminous locks, head slightly bowed, the bare arm resting on her right hip; the left leg is visible under the pleated undergarment chiton and slanted himation. 257 grams, 17.5 cm
Traces of white engobe and polychromy in the folds of the robe and on the base. The added chignon lost, otherwise intact.
Ex Belgian art market, 2020. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The statuette finds comparisons among examples that can be dated between the 4th century and the middle of the 3rd century B.C. It shows some traces of the original polychromy, characterised by strongly contrasting hues, keeping in with the local style.