Loading, please wait...
LOT 0578
Greek Gold Sphinx Earring
3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.
1 in. (2.55 grams, 26 mm).
A single gold earring composed of a twisted wire hoop, stylised bust of a sphinx with detailed breast and lion paws.
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Cf. Dimitrova Tonkova, 'Hellenistic Jewellery from the Colonies on the West Black Sea Coast,' in Archaeology in Bulgaria, Vol.1, no.1, 1997, pp.83-102, figs.5, 7, pl.IV, no.4, pl.V, nos.1,2, pl.VI,3 for the type.
FootnotesEarrings with a sphinx represent a variety of the earrings created by the Hellenised goldsmiths of the Black Sea area. These figures usually had an inlaid garnet and are dated between late 3rd and 2nd century B.C. They belong to the category of earrings with a female head, often visible in graves of the Black Sea area and not always of good quality.
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.
-
.jpg)
Greek and Other Artefact Group
Circa 7th-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
A group of two silver artefacts comprising: a brooch element with catchplate and decorative ribbing; a possible earring with coiled closures. 8.55 grams total, 29-33 mm
Essex gallery, early 2000s. -
Greek Heavy Bronze Bracelet with Central Bar
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
A penannular bronze bracelet with a facetted convex hoop, the arms tapering to an expanded bezel with raised vertical bar. 27.7 grams, 64 mm
Acquired 1990s. English private collection. Property of an Essex gentleman. -
Boeotian Horse and Rider
Circa 6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
A ceramic horse and rider figure of stylised form, the horse modelled in the round standing with head erect and facing forwards, cropped mane and tail held between hindlegs; the rider modelled holding the animal's neck, possibly wearing a helmet; painted detailing; old collector's label to stomach reading '0606/633 aaide, Beatie 6e BC'; leg repaired. 150 grams, 16.5 cm wide
Ex Nicolas Landau collection (1887-1979). with Sotheby's, Paris, 9th April 2013. lot 235 (part). UK private collection.
