Parthian Bronze Bowl

Wth a rounded body and prominent raised neck, a tubular muzzle with stylised eyes and ears and a small, slightly open mouth; a ring with a chain and a large carnelian sphere beneath the chin; a wide incised groove above the front legs, perhaps intended to represent muscles; a long slit beneath the abdomen; standing on a rectangular platform with a pin for insertion to a wooden shaft; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 643 grams total, ibex: 15 cm high



Acquired in Vienna, Austria, in the 1990s. Collection of N.M., former Israeli Ambassador to Austria (1998–2000). Private collection, London. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13039-247908.

In Scythian art, the ibex was often depicted in dynamic ‘animal style’ symbolising life, strength, and perhaps cosmic struggles, potentially linked to seasonal cycles or fertility, showing its sacred status as a totem animal alongside mouflons. The realistically depicted posture of the animal testifies to the ancient masters' keenness of observation and of their skill in rendering the character of the animal in metal. The posture recalls more archaic (7th-6th century B.C.) animal style art found in the Tagar finials.

With intaglio profile bust of youthful male with curly hair, wearing a headdress; set in a later Roman period gold mount with roped border and attachment loop to the top; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.66 grams, 24 mm



Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.

Comprising a bulbous body with a basal ring, a narrow neck and a loop handle to the rear; vertical ribbing to the body. 74 grams, 81 mm



Acquired on the French art market. Swiss private collection. Private collection, UK.