Thracian Silver Decorated Axehead Pendant Pair

Comprising a discoid body with raised rim, ribbed handle and openwork stylised panther to the terminal; mounted on a custom-made display stand; some restoration. 1.8 kg total, 45 cm high including stand



Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.202711.

The 'Olbian type' mirror takes its name from the Greek colony of Olbia, a port on the Black Sea, which enjoyed close commercial links with the neighbouring Scythian territories. Olbian mirrors form an important element in this trade network, although whether the craftsmen who made them were Scythians or Greeks working in Scythian style for the Black Sea market is still undecided. The animal ornament of the mirrors reproduces the zoomorphic art used elsewhere by the Scythian elite.

Comprising three pendant clusters, each a tube with balustered middle section and ribs, radiating loops at the lower end with suspended biconvex dangles. 90 grams total, 78 mm each



Acquired in the late 1970s. Ex Herr Bernhard Muller collection. with Galerie Ostracon, circa 2015. Accompanied by detailed collector's catalogue pages including description and photograph.

Each composed of a tiered discoid head with polished garnet inlays in claw settings, filigree to the outer perimeter, tapering hook to reverse and three dangles below, the central one formed as an amphora with scrolled handles, three polished garnet cabochons to the equator and a garnet bead to base; flanked by two lotus or bud-shaped charms on short lengths of chain. 14.28 grams total, 52-57 mm



Acquired 1970-2010. From the collection of a late Japanese gentleman.