Loading, please wait...
LOT 0103
Scythian Gold Ring with Pair of Stags
CIRCA 6TH CENTURY B.C.
1 1/2 in. (7.59 grams, 38.13 mm overall, 18.63 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)).
Comprising a broad hoop of gold filigree ropework with wire borders, applied filigree rosette to underside; rectangular plaque with band of filigree loops to both long edges, applied filigree meander to centre; two hollow-formed model stags' heads each with applied filigree meander to both sides of the neck and to the spine, filigree and granule facial and other features, filigree antlers; disc dangle and filigree shank and hoop attaching to right stag's head.
ProvenancePrivate collection formed in Europe in the 1980s.
Westminster collection, central 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.12355-225025.
Cf. Marshall, F.H., Catalogue of the Jewellery, Greek, Etruscan and Roman, in the Department of Antiquities, British Museum, London, 1911, items 1166, 1228-1230, for type of jewellery with similar rosettes and filigree work; similar forms of rosette and filigree work in gold jewellery of the period in Despini, A., Greek Art. Ancient Gold Jewellery, Athens, 1996, e.g. pl.5, p.52 (earring with identical rosette); see also Castor, A.Q., ‘Archaic Greek Earrings: An interim survey’ in Archäologischer Anzeiger, 2008,1, pp.1-34.
FootnotesThe presence of stags on the ring is a clear reference to the cult of Artemis, the hunting goddess, whose favourite animal was the deer. A particular cult of Artemis was celebrated at Brauron, in Attica. According to some stories, this was the place where Iphigenia, daughter of Agamemnon, was sacrificed to the goddess after Agamemnon offended the goddess by killing one of her sacred stags.
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.
-
Greek Bronze Ring with Nike
4th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With carinated hoop, scaphoid bezel with intaglio winged Nike holding a wreath. 3.06 grams, 20.71 mm overall, 17.59 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)
From the collection of a London antiquarian, formed since the 1980s. -
Archaic Greek Horse Head Protome
Circa 8th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Comprising a tapering tubular neck and notched crested mane, slender head with prominent ears, bulbous eyes, slit mouth; iron attachment pins in situ; lateral vent. 42.8 grams, 43 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Thracian Twisted Silver Torc
4th-2nd century B.C.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Formed of twisted rods, each square in section, tapering towards the hammered finials, each with an onion-knop terminal. 157 grams, 15 cm
with Christie's, New York, 5 June 1998, no.209. Private collection, Europe. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12381-226710.
