Description
A Sabean alabaster head of a female
Showing 17–32 of 174 results
A Sabean Alabaster Head of a Female
Original price was: $30,000.00.$28,000.00Current price is: $28,000.00.REFERENCE #
SI_SA_1012
CIVILIZATION
Sabaen, 100 B.C.E. – 100 C.E.
SIZE
H. 15 cm
CONDITION
Fine condition
PRICE
$28,000
PROVENANCE
The Baidun Collection. Purchased from the Jerusalem Local Market, 1980’s.
A Seated Figure of the God Thoth as an Ibis
Description
Great attention has been paid to the accurate and skillful rendering of the anatomic details of the ibis. Incised decoration replicates the structure of the bill, the eyes and the feathers and skin of the legs. The long, curved beak is harmoniously in proportion to the body, which has been simplified and streamlined to the point where it is an exercise in pure form. The bone structure of the beak and the head are represented through carefully nuanced modeling. The graceful contours of the neck flow into the body, of which only the outlines of wings, modeled on the underside as a slight ridge, are visible. The stylized mass of tail feathers was made separately and then inserted into the body.
Our bronze ibis would probably have been dedicated at a temple to Thoth, Egyptian god of writing, magic and wisdom, whose sacred animal was the ibis, and who often appeared as a man with the head of an ibis. As the creator of mankind, Thoth was one of the most important gods in the Egyptian pantheon. His main sanctuary was located in Hermopolis, a city that was known for its wealth.
Hermopolis benefited greatly from the rule of the Ptolemies, the Greek kings of Egypt, who commissioned large building projects for the city, thus solidifying Hermopolis’s identity as a luxurious resort town. A bronze such as our ibis would have undoubtedly been commissioned by a wealthy patron or king, who had access to the best workshops and quantities of good bronze. Our ibis is larger than the average ibis votives found: one of the closest parallels in terms of size and style is a Ptolemaic bronze ibis in the Brooklyn Museum (no. 49, 48).
Bibliography
ARNOLD, D., An Egyptian Bestiary, in Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, New York, 1995.
ROBINS, G., The Art of Ancient Egypt, New Haven, 1998.
For other Late Period and Ptolemaic bronze ibis statuettes, see:
British Musem BM n. 64095 (1939, 0211.1)
Cleveland Museum of Art, no. 1940.667. 1/14
REFERENCE #
SI_EG_1046
CIVILIZATION
Egyptian, Late Dynastic Period. 26th Dynasty, 664 B.C.E. – 332 B.C.E.
SIZE
L. 40 cm
CONDITION
Fine condition
PRICE
Sold
PROVENANCE
Ex. Private American collection, gifted to him in 1964 by a doctor who acquired it while working in Sudan.
A Seated Figure of the God Thoth as an Ibis
Great attention has been paid to the accurate and skillful rendering of the anatomic details of the ibis. Incised decoration replicates the structure of the bill, the eyes and the feathers and skin of the legs. The long, curved beak is harmoniously in proportion to the body, which has been simplified and streamlined to the point where it is an exercise in pure form. The bone structure of the beak and the head are represented through carefully nuanced modeling. The graceful contours of the neck flow into the body, of which only the outlines of wings, modeled on the underside as a slight ridge, are visible. The stylized mass of tail feathers was made separately and then inserted into the body.
Our bronze ibis would probably have been dedicated at a temple to Thoth, Egyptian god of writing, magic and wisdom, whose sacred animal was the ibis, and who often appeared as a man with the head of an ibis. As the creator of mankind, Thoth was one of the most important gods in the Egyptian pantheon. His main sanctuary was located in Hermopolis, a city that was known for its wealth.
Hermopolis benefited greatly from the rule of the Ptolemies, the Greek kings of Egypt, who commissioned large building projects for the city, thus solidifying Hermopolis’s identity as a luxurious resort town. A bronze such as our ibis would have undoubtedly been commissioned by a wealthy patron or king, who had access to the best workshops and quantities of good bronze. Our ibis is larger than the average ibis votives found: one of the closest parallels in terms of size and style is a Ptolemaic bronze ibis in the Brooklyn Museum (no. 49, 48).
Bibliography
ARNOLD, D., An Egyptian Bestiary, in Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, New York, 1995.
ROBINS, G., The Art of Ancient Egypt, New Haven, 1998.
For other Late Period and Ptolemaic bronze ibis statuettes, see:
British Musem BM n. 64095 (1939, 0211.1)
Cleveland Museum of Art, no. 1940.667. 1/14
REFERENCE #
SI_EG_1046
CIVILIZATION
Egyptian, Late Dynastic Period. 26th Dynasty, 664 B.C.E. – 332 B.C.E.
SIZE
L. 40 cm
CONDITION
Fine condition
PRICE
Sold
PROVENANCE
Ex. Private American collection, gifted to him in 1964 by a doctor who acquired it while working in Sudan.
A Set of Two Israelite Red Slip Ceramic Vessels
These ancient Israeli red slip ceramic vessels were found together in the mountains west of the Jordan River, an area known both then and now as Samaria. The smaller vessel with the large mouth is a wine decanter while the larger jug was made to hold large amount of cooking oil for generous use in old Israeli cuisine.
There is something homey, even quirky, about the thick handles that loop at the top of each vessel. The warm red colors of their grooved exterior transports us to a dimly lit kitchen filled with the smells of traditional meals still savored today across the Levant.
REFERENCE #
KB_PT_2517
CIVILIZATION
Iron Age, 900 B.C.E. – 800 B.C.E.
SIZE
H. 21 cm & 15.5 cm
CONDITION
Fine condition
PRICE
Price available upon request
Out of stock
A Terracotta Seahorse
A Greek ceramics winged sea horse. The Ancient Greeks and Romans believed the seahorse was an attribute of the sea god Neptune/Poseidon and as such, the seahorse was considered a symbol of strength and power.
REFERENCE #
SI_GR_1028
CIVILIZATION
Greek, 400 B.C.E.
SIZE
L. 15 cm
CONDITION
Fine condition, right leg, tip of left leg, and some tips of the wings are missing .
PRICE
Sold
PROVENANCE
Collection of W. Rosenbaum, Ascona
Alabaster Perfume Flask (First Temple Period)
$2,300.00This elegant translucent alabaster perfume flask exemplifies the artistry and craftsmanship of Israelite artisans of the Iron Age, First Temple Period. Crafted from fine, translucent alabaster, the flask presents an ovoid body with a narrow, well‑formed neck and a gently everted mouth, its surface smoothly polished to reveal the subtle veining and soft luminosity of the stone.
The most striking feature of the flask is its delicate, refined profile and the way the translucent material captures and diffuses light, lending a quiet, luminous quality to the form. The workmanship demonstrates mastery of stone‑carving techniques, with a precise, symmetrical shape and a satin finish that highlights the inherent beauty of the alabaster. Any surviving tool marks are minimal and secondary to the overall polished presentation.
This object likely served both personal and ritual functions, used to contain precious oils or perfumes for daily grooming, anointing, or sacred ceremonies. Its refined material and careful execution reflect the value placed on aromatic substances in Israelite society and suggest ownership by an individual of some standing. Found in Jerusalem. Iron Age, First Temple Period (circa 10th–6th centuries BCE).
REFERENCE #
ST-22470
CIVILIZATION
Israelite, 1200 B.C.E. – 800 B.C.E.
SIZE
L. 7.5cm
CONDITION
Fine condition
PRICE
$2300
PROVENANCE
The Baidun Collection
An Aubergine Ribbed Glass bowl
A beautiful aubergine ribbed glass bowl with a flared rim and two incised lines around the body.
REFERENCE #
GL_RM_1085
CIVILIZATION
Roman, 100 C.E. – 300 C.E.
SIZE
D. 12.4 cm, H. 5.4 cm
CONDITION
Excellent condition
PRICE
Price available upon request
PROVENANCE
Baidun Family Collection
An Aubergine Ribbed Glass bowl
This elegant ribbed glass bowl exemplifies the artistry and technical skill of early Roman glassmakers. Crafted from a rare aubergine-hued soda‑lime glass, the bowl presents a gently flared rim and a rounded, harmonious profile with a lustrous, weathered surface that reveals a rich, multicolored iridescence developed through centuries of natural burial conditions. Measuring approximately [dimensions available on request], it is a compact yet striking domestic vessel.
The most striking feature of the bowl is its pronounced vertical ribbing, which encircles the body and lends a rhythmic, tactile quality to the form. Two finely incised concentric lines around the midsection provide an elegant counterpoint to the ribs, demonstrating careful finishing by hand. The surface iridescence, a product of long-term chemical interaction rather than modern treatment, enhances the deep aubergine tone and accentuates the delicate interplay of light across the exterior.
The workmanship shows mastery of early glass techniques—likely mold‑forming for the ribbed body with subsequent hand incision—resulting in crisp, well-executed details and a smoothly rendered rim. The uncommon deep purple color and strong iridescent sheen mark this piece as a particularly refined example of provincial Roman glass production.
Likely used for both every day and display purposes, this bowl would have served as a functional domestic vessel and possibly as a valued item within a household’s tableware. Its durable glass, sophisticated surface effects, and rare coloration reflect both the aesthetic sensibilities and material culture of the early Imperial period. Found in Sabaste; early Roman, ca. 1st century AD.REFERENCE #
GL_RM_1086
CIVILIZATION
Roman, 1st Century C.E
SIZE
D. 10.5 cm, H. 7.4 cm
CONDITION
Excellent condition
PRICE
$12500
PROVENANCE
Baidun Family Collection
An Egyptian Mummy Mask
Description
Made of cartonnage – a medium consisting of layers of fibers – this mummy mask features a broad foliate and beaded collar. The wig is decorated with an open lotus blossom on the forehead and a scarab on the crown. The cheek straps and other details are painted in blue, purple, red, pink and green on a yellow ground.
REFERENCE #
SI_EG_1049
CIVILIZATION
Egyptian, 100 C.E.
SIZE
H. 33 cm
CONDITION
Some normal areas of edge losses, mostly minor; a few open splits and some areas of the interior have been strengthened with a linen backing. Some normal minor paint flakes. Lower front portion of wig is curled under; the very tip of the nose chipped.
PRICE
Sold
PROVENANCE
Private NYS collection, ex. Sotheby’s, Sale 5464, lot 250, May 30th, 1986
An Egyptian/Canaanite Calsite Tazza
A Tazza refers to a little cup, consisting of a short stem topped by a wide receptacle. This piece comes from the Samarian region, created in the style of either Egyptian or Canaanite craftsmen. The small cup is only 6 cm in size, lending an intimacy to the object during religious ceremonies.
The cup’s body is pinched at its mouth as well as its base, which arcs downward and connects to the wide hourglass shaped stem.
REFERENCE #
KB_ST_9999
CIVILIZATION
Late Bronze Age, 1500 B.C.E. -1200 B.C.E.
SIZE
D. 6 cm
CONDITION
Part of the base is missing in antiquity
PRICE
Price available upon request
An Etruscan Female Votive Head
The front of the head is made from a mold and with a modeling tool reworked. The rear is Hollow. The sculpture shows a young female’s head in frontal orientation The even facial features women are very attractive. Expressive, with deep-set eyes coupled with strong eyelids. The pupils are clearly defined. A Strong protruding nose and full lips slightly opened. the chin has a gentle dimple. The symmetrically styled hair is parted in the middle, starting in soft curls that are combed back. On the cheeks is a single sleeping curls, and round earrings. The hairstyle is held by a headband. More curls on Top of the head are covered by a corona.
Cf .: St. Ohlig , antique cabinet, catalog no. 3 ( 1998) ” The Etruscans , a sign of life Civilized people . ” Fig.53 .
REFERENCE #
P 20753
CIVILIZATION
Greek, 400 B.C.E.
SIZE
H. 19.5 cm
CONDITION
A small chip on the tip of the nose, otherwise in Fine quality,
PRICE
Price available upon request
PROVENANCE
Private collection of Dr. Ludenscheid , acquired in the 1960s
An Expressive Greek Head of a Satyr
The expressive face of this satyr reveals a right eye that is slightly lower than the left and a smirk carved purposefully askew. The satyr himself may be of Greek origin, yet this piece hails from central Asia, a result of the clash of cultures that arose out of Alexander the Great’s successful campaigns throughout the region. The result was a vast melting pot of culture, art and religion that spanned the subsequent Hellenistic era of Greek history, when Greek cultural influence and power was at its zenith in Europe and Asia. At the time, this satyr’s inlaid eyes and simple braided crown were uncommon in Asian art, particularly seen in Buddhist sculptures of Siddhartha from the Gandhara region of northern Pakistan. Other examples include the famous Parthian relief from Hatra, as well as the hair and head of the Peshawar Museum’s Bodhisattva. In the years after Alexander’s conquests, the region’s sculpture incorporated such elements in the intervening years as trade and technology increased the mingling of Eastern and Western cultures, creating new currents of art and thought that still inspire us to this day.
The round face is dominated by deep holes for eyes which were originally inlaid. The root of the nose is strongly furrowed, as too is the forehead above, its series of wavy grooves mirroring the curvature of the expressive high-arched brows. Prominent cheekbones, with fleshy, rounded cheeks below; under the broad nose, full sensuous lips with dimples. To either side of the face, long, pointed ears with deep auricles. A exuberant shock of curling locks, whose individual strands are articulated with incised lines, is parted in the middle to form an anastole and spreads outwards in three luxuriant strands to frame the face.
Similarly rendered locks entirely envelope the head, wig-like, in schematically arranged rows. The sinews of the neck form a pronounced V-shape. The combination of glowering features and unruly hair impart to the head an intensely expressive quality. Encircling the crown of the head is a rope-like wreath which served as the base for an attachment, its upper surface flat to accommodate another element. Head of a statue, in all likelihood an architectural support such as a Caryatid.
REFERENCE #
SI_GR_1003
CIVILIZATION
Central Asia, with influence from Ghandara, 200 B.C.E. – 100 B.C.E.
SIZE
Ht. 24cm
CONDITION
Damage to nose, chin and two locks of hair.
PRICE
$95,000
PROVENANCE
Private Collection R.J. 1962.
An Illyrian Helmet
A bronze Illyrian helmet with dark green patina. Tall skull with distinctly raised and stepped ridges, fastening hooks for the attachment of a crest at front and at back. Large face-opening surmounted by two ribs across the brow, long pierced cheek-pieces and flared neck-guard. A row of lenticular decorative pins around the perimeter.
REFERENCE #
WP_GR_1008
CIVILIZATION
Greek, 600 B.C.E.
SIZE
H. 23 cm
CONDITION
Some restorations at the crown, the face-opening and the nape
PRICE
Sold
Ancient Bronze Thrusting Sword
This Persian sword is a remarkable example of the technology and design that went into crafting an ancient piece of weaponry. The dark hue of this sword lends it an austere weight, while the thick ribs and large crescent of the hilt are an indication of the strength required to wield such a heavy object. The broad blade seems to be made not for bludgeoning as much as cutting, with the raised ridge that runs along its length adding force to its blows.
This is a piece that makes a forceful statement in any collection, especially for collectors looking for a simpler alternative to the overwrought designs of later civilizations. The ancient Persians were known for their battle prowess, and this weapon is a fine example as to the tools ancient warriors had at their disposal. This sword has been wonderfully restored and displays a brilliant luster that still gleams along its long blade.
REFERENCE #
WP_PR_1111
CIVILIZATION
Persian, 1200 B.C.E. – 1100 B.C.E.
SIZE
L. 54 cm, 8 cm W
CONDITION
Excellent condition
PRICE
$11500
PROVENANCE
Jerusalem Private Collection