Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0612
Parthian Terracotta Horse-Head Finial
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3 in. (62 grams, 79.5 mm).
A hollow-formed horse-head finial with ribbed mane to the arched neck, elaborate bridle strap detail.
Provenance
From an important central London collection formed since the mid 1960s; thence by descent.
From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent.
VETTING:
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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Greek Attic Red-Figure Kylix Fragment of a Hand
Early 5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
Irregular fragment framed by a meander on one side and finely painted hand; reverse depicting foot and part of the chiton of a standing figure. 10.63 grams, 52 mm
Private collection, Europe. -
Greek Fragmentary Terracotta Red-Figure Hydria
Paestan or Apulian, 4th century B.C.Estimate: £4,500 - 6,500 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,500
Comprising the upper two thirds of the vessel; on the shoulder a facing woman's head with diadem and half-veiled face; rosettes to left and right, with suspended ribbons and dots; vine motif around the body with floral ornaments; to the reverse, palmettes and vines; band of laurel with rosettes around the neck and wavy band at the mouth; reassembled from various fragments with three large areas of restoration, only the beginnings of the handles preserved; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.95 kg, 31 cm (2.6 kg total, 47.5 cm high including stand)
Ex Herbert A. Cahn, Basel, 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12475-228738.
The face-veiling gesture is a known marriage rite; the diadem may suggest that she is intended to represent Persephone. Alternatively, the veiled woman might be a dancer as many terracotta figurines of dancing women are shown with face-coverings. However, the floral ornaments could indicate a funeral or sepulchral context. -
Greek Red-Figure Owl Skyphos
Attic, 4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
Mammiform body with flared pedestal base and two loop handles to the rim; each side with a facing image of an owl between laurel fronds; concentric circles to the base, Attic workmanship. 115 grams, 15.2 cm wide
Acquired on the art market between the late 1990s and mid-2000s. Estate of the late Barry Paul Buxton (1944–2024), Oakham, Rutland. Acquired on the UK art market, 2025.