Loading, please wait...
LOT 0097
Scythian Bronze Finial with Animal Head
5TH-4TH CENTURY B.C.
9 3/4 in. (570 grams, 24.6 cm).
Comprising an ellipsoid panel mounted on a conical socket; openwork lattice design with lozenge voids; socket with horse-head to one face, lateral lugs above the mouth.
ProvenancePrivate European collection, 1990s.
Private collection, London, UK.
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.13278-254311.
Cf. similar elements in Artamanov, M., I., Treasures from Scythian Tombs), London, 1969, figs.73-75; for Scythian Horse Harness cf. Galanina, L.K. Die Kurgane von Kelermes:“Königsgräber” der frühskythischen Zeit, Moscow, 1997.
FootnotesBronze pole tops, together with mirrors and horse trappings, were characteristic of Scythian art. Usually, Scythian warrior burials were accompanied by horses, the number of which corresponded to the status of the deceased (Galanina, 1997, p.54, fig.16). In the famous Chrertomlyk barrow, together with a deposit of 250 bridles, several openwork pole-tops were found, with figures of animals and birds, which could have been mounts for the harness or top of standards. However, they could also have been the upper part of staff poles decorating funeral wagons. Pole tops are one of the most significant objects used by the Scythians, and formed part of the ritual furnishings.
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 0097
Scythian Bronze Finial with Animal Head
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
-
Greek Bronze Signet Ring Bezel with Goddess
Hellenistic, 2nd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Ellipsoid in plan with remains of the hoop to the underside at each end, intaglio standing winged figure with one arm raised. 3.3 grams, 19 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Greek Terracotta Oil Lamp
Circa 3rd-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Drum-shaped body with raised rim on the filler hole, long flared nozzle, lateral spur to sidewall. 68.5 grams, 84.4 mm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. -
Greek Black-Figure Miniature Amphora with Swan
Attic, 6th-5th century B.C.Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,000
With two handles and an everted rim; parallel, vertical strokes on the neck and below a swan with its wings open and neck elegantly curved, a staff on the background. 57.1 grams, 76 mm
Swiss private collection, assembled in the 1960s and 1970s. Acquired by the present owner in 2004. 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 a search certificate number no.13019-246754.
The swan was a favoured motif in Greek art, admired for its elegance and associations with divinity and beauty. In mythology, the bird was sacred to Apollo, god of music and light, whose chariot was said to be drawn by swans on his annual journey to the land of the Hyperboreans. It was likewise linked to Aphrodite, symbolising love and sensuality, and appears in scenes celebrating harmony and the ideal of beauty. The swan also featured prominently in the myth of Leda and the Swan, in which Zeus, transformed into the bird, inspired numerous representations across Greek art.
