Loading, please wait...
LOT 0569
Hellenistic Acanthus Jewellery Matrix
4TH-2ND CENTURY B.C.
2 1/4 in. (78 grams, 57 mm).
A trapezoidal bronze matrix, likely for jewellery production, bearing an acanthus leaf motif in relief to one face, with delicate detailing.
ProvenanceGerman collection before 2000.
Collection of Mr.D.H., formed in UK, from the EU art market.
Property of a Surrey gentleman.
Cf. Treister, M., 'Bronze Matrices from George Ortiz Collection', in Calinescu, A. (ed.), Ancient Jewelry and Archaeology: Proceedings of International Symposium dedicated to the memory of Burton Y.Berry, Bloomington, September 1991, Bloomington, Indianapolis, 1991, pp.172-184.
FootnotesIn antiquity, matrices for raising jewellery elements, ornaments and plaques were made of bronze, stone or reinforced terracotta. Matrices with designs in relief were used as an alternative to matrices with hollow designs or intaglio matrices.
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.
LOT 0569
Hellenistic Acanthus Jewellery Matrix
Estimate £120 - 170€140 - 200 (for guidance only)$160 - 230 (for guidance only)
-
Greek Cream Glass Ribbed Bottle
Late 1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
An opaque cream-coloured glass bottle with vertical ribbing around the globular body, trumpet-style neck and mouth with rolled rim. 76 grams, 73 mm high
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998. -
Greek Silver Medical Implement with Snake Handle
4th-3rd century B.C.Estimate: £450 - 650 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
A silver and copper-alloy medical instrument, oval in shape, the handle formed as a snake with shallow hatched pattern on the body representing scales, stylised rendering of the snake's head. 68 grams, 25 cm long
Fair condition.
Acquired mid 1980s to early 1990s. Private family collection formed in London, UK. Accompanied by a metal test assessment number 182971/HM1456 from an Oxford specialist.
The use of this spatula (probe) for medical assessment can be confirmed by its snake-shaped handle, evidently a reference to the god Asklepios, whose symbol was a staff with a serpent wrapped around it. Such implements, called 'ἀπυρομήλη', were used in the Graeco-Persian world. The survival of the handle in this example makes it a rare find. -
Greek Ring with Artemis Bee Gemstone
4th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
A bronze finger ring with inset carnelian gemstone, intaglio bee with legs splayed. 3.77 grams, 24.34 mm overall, 16.02 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
