A bronze Etruscan harpago, or underwater sponge collecting hook, with seven curved tines set radially around a central torus. The hook piece is set upon a large handle with a coiled design along its shaft. An additional pair of tines protrudes just below the torus at the top of the coiled shaft.
Bronze wine Phiale bowl from the Achaemenid period, circa 500 BC, dating to the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. This elegant vessel is crafted from bronze and measures approximately 16 cm in diameter. It features a shallow, broad form typical of Phiale bowls, with a gently flared rim that enhances its functional and decorative appeal.
The surface of the bowl is decorated with a detailed lotus motif, a symbol of purity, rebirth, and divine beauty, which was commonly used in Persian art and iconography. The intricate design is well-preserved and highlights the craftsmanship of Achaemenid metalworkers. The bowl is in perfect condition, with a rich blue patina that has developed over centuries, adding to its visual richness and historical authenticity.
The bronze material indicates that this vessel was a valued object, likely used in libations or ritual offerings during important ceremonies or banquets associated with the Persian court. Its decoration and form embody the aesthetic ideals and cultural values of the Achaemenid period, combining utility with artistic expression.
The craftsmanship and fine detailing of this bowl reflect a high level of technological skill, characteristic of the Achaemenid metallurgists. Such a substantial vessel was probably used in prestigious contexts, including royal banquets or religious rituals, serving both a utilitarian and decorative purpose.
This helmet has a domed crown with medial ridge, with contoured inverted ‘V’ shape above the brow continuing as an occipital rib around the helmet, with pronounced arched brows and narrow flared neck guard, the hinges connected to intact original cheek-guards with rich green patina. The domed crown has a medial ridge, with a contoured inverted ‘V’ shape above the brow continuing as an occipital rib around the helmet, pronounced arched brows and a narrow flared neck guard; the hinges remaining connecting to cheek-pieces originally attached. ‘Chalcidian’ helmets are so named as they resemble those depicted on pottery from the Euboean city of Chalcis. They were used throughout the Greek world as a lighter, less bulky version of the earlier ‘Corinthian’ helmet.
Gilded silver Phiale wine ribbed bowl from the Greco-Achaemenid period, circa 500–300 BC. This luxurious vessel measures approximately 18 cm in diameter and exemplifies the opulence of fine Greek and Persian craftsmanship during this era. The bowl features a shallow, broad form with a gently flared rim, designed both for aesthetic appeal and practical use.
The surface of the bowl is richly gilded, adding a radiant golden glow that accentuates its luxurious nature. Its most distinctive feature is the ribbed design, with evenly spaced, decorative flutes encircling the exterior that create a textured, elegant pattern and enhance its visual impact. The craftsmanship demonstrates a high level of skill, combining precise metalworking techniques with ornamental artistry.
Intended as a high-status drinking vessel for ceremonial or banquet use, this gilded silver Phiale reflects the cultural exchange and artistic refinement characteristic of the Greco-Achaemenid period. The combination of precious materials and intricate decoration signifies its importance as a symbol of wealth and prestige in social or religious contexts.REFERENCE #
Four leaves from an extremely early Biblical codex. 4 leaves, with one complete leaf and a lower half (bisected horizontally across the page) from an early Armenian translation of John 10-11, the complete leaf 320mm. by 230mm., double column, 17 lines in dark brown ink in large and imposing erkat’agir majuscules (the so-called ‘Iron Writing’, the earliest Armenian script to survive in manuscript) with capitals with long trailing descenders, notably similar to British Library, Add. MS.21932, trimmed to edges of text, Armenia, probably ninth or tenth century; plus the lower half of a leaf from a Biblical or liturgical manuscript, 200mm. by 135mm., with remains of double column, 12 lines in light brown ink in a smaller and squarer hand closer to that of Dublin, Chester Beatty MSS.554 and 556, both twelfth century (Catalogue of the Armenian Manuscripts, 1958 II: pls.1 and 4), Armenia, probably twelfth century; all leaves recovered from bindings and with stains, tears, folds and later pen-trials and notes, but overall in fair and sound condition.
