Artemis Gallery - March 24th Exceptional Auction

lot 1a - Rare Egyptian Predynastic Terracotta Boat, ex-Sotheby’s

Egypt, Predynastic Period, Naqada II to Naqada III, ca. 3500 to 3000 BCE. Size: 19” L x 4.875” W x 5.125” H (48.3 cm x 12.4 cm x 13 cm); 7.75” H (19.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Author and discoverer of this exact boat model Robert de Rustafjaell described it as such: “Models of sacred barks of this period are not uncommon, but one with a reed canopy is heretofore unknown. In shape it is not unlike the Venetian gondola. Being found buried with the dead, these boats are supposed to have had some symbolic religious meaning, connected probably with the voyage of the spirit of the dead to the underworld. This one was found at Gebelen, seventeen miles from Luxor.” (Robert de Rustafjaell, F.R.G.S. “The Light of Egypt: From Recently Discovered Predynastic And Early Christian Records With 51 Plates.”

Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., Ltd., London, 1909, p. 28-29, also plate XV) Provenance: ex-Florence Eligabue collection; ex-Ernest Brummer collection, Sotheby’s London, November 16-17, 1964, no. 8 ill.; ex-Robert de Rustafjaell (1876-1943) collection, UK, Sotheby’s London, January 20-24, 1913, no. 420, pl. XXXII; found at Gebelein, 17 miles from Luxor.

What we love about this lot: Such an incredibly rare example of Pre-Dynastic art. This shows life in Egypt 5000 years ago! You may have seen black-top jars from this period, but you will never see an example like this ever again! Plus provenance dating back to 1913? And where piece was found and by whom? This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire an outstanding piece of Egyptian history.

1913 Sotheby’s Auction catalog

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lot 2 - Rare Egyptian Lapis Lazuli Amulet, Taweret Egypt, Late Dynastic to Ptolemaic Period, ca. 664 to 30 BCE. Size: 1” L x 0.63” W x 2.33” H (2.5 cm x 1.6 cm x 5.9 cm) A pulchritudinous figural sculpture, hand-carved from azurehued lapis lazuli, depicting Taweret (also Tawaret, Tauret, Thoueris, Apet, Opet), the goddess of child birthing and suckling as well as a protector of women, children, and the infirm.

What we love about this lot: Lapis was so prized by the ancient Egyptians! Here we have a large amulet in the form of a Nile Hippopotamus in beautiful hues of blue and white with a wonderful stance and expression. Truly a museumworthy example!

lot 18 - Romano-Egyptian Cartonnage Mummy Mask, ex-Christie’s

Egypt, Romano Egyptian Period, ca. 2nd century CE. Size: 5.25” L x 13.625” W x 18.75” H (13.3 cm x 34.6 cm x 47.6 cm); 20.125” H (51.1 cm) on included custom stand. Size: 5.25” L x 13.625” W x 18.75” H (13.3 cm x 34.6 cm x 47.6 cm); 20.125” H (51.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-Gold and Silver Pawn Store, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, acquired 2016. As seen on Pawn Stars, “If the Pawn Don’t Fit” (History Channel, August 14, 2017, season 14, episode 28); ex-Aphrodite Ancient Art, New York, New York, USA, published in “Art of the Ancients: A Selection of Ancient Art,” Vol. 1, 2013, pp. 8-9 and front cover; ex-collection of Alan Dershowitz and Carolyn Cohen, Chilmark, Massachusetts, USA; exChristie’s, New York “Antiquities” auction (auction 8568, December 18, 1996, lot 82, hammered for $9,775, published in corresponding catalog) What we love about this lot: Although a later example, the detail on this mask is incredible.

Exquisitely painted in shades of blue, green, red, tan, brown, gold and black depicting the pantheon of Egyptian gods and goddesses.

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lot 25 - Apulian Red Figure Bell Krater, ex-Sotheby’s Ancient Greece, Magna Graecia, South Italy, Apulian, ca.

4th century BCE. Size: 11.4” H (29 cm) Side A depicts a lively scene of figures featuring a maenad holding a wreath confronting a nude and crowned Dionysus - Roman Bacchus, the Greek god of wine. Side B features 2 ephebi or youths confronted, both cloaked in lengthy himations, though 1 presents a bare right arm that reaches out to grasp a staff or walking stick.

What we love about this lot: The surface of this piece is more akin to what one might usually find on Attic pottery. The black glaze has developed a deep, almost metallic sheen that just makes this piece shine!

lot 25a - Greek Attic Red-Figure Kylix Hoplite w/ Scorpion Shield

Ancient Greece, Athens, ca. 500 to 480 BCE. Size: 15.4” Diameter x 4.6” H (39.1 cm x 11.7 cm) Enveloped by a lavish coat of lustrous black glaze, the refined dish features a simple yet elegant aesthetic with a meticulously painted tondo at the center of its basin comprised of a red-figure hoplite or citizen soldier. Depicted mostly nude, the ancient warrior wears only greaves and a high-crested Corinthian helmet with cheek guards pushed up, showcasing his athletic physique. His rigid right arm folds at both the elbow and wrist in order to point his short sword or xiphos toward his hefty, circular shield, which not only echoes the form of the vessel, but is also painted with the image of a scorpion - a common practice in Ancient Greece that was intended to intimidate one’s enemies during battle.

What we love about this lot: One of our favorite pieces in the sale! Large and fairly simple, the piece depicts a solitary soldier in elaborate Corinthian helmet and greaves with decorated shield. While simple in decoration and form, its elegance is off the charts!

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lot 39 - Roman Marble Garland Sarcophagus Corner - Victory Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd century CE. Size: 11.75” L x 9.5” W x 32.5” H (29.8 cm x 24.1 cm x 82.6 cm) This fragment comes from the left corner of a sarcophagus, where Victory is perched on a rounded pedestal and bears a heavy garland on her shoulders. The wings of the goddess Victoria (Nike) symbolize the fleeting, ephemeral nature of victory, and given this, her presence upon a sarcophagus is appropos.

What we love about this lot: Nothing shouts “classic” like ancient marble. Although just a fragment, this piece shows how Roman sculptors could transform a piece of solid rock into something fluid, detailed and graceful.

lot 40c - Roman Mosaic - Dramatic Marine Scene Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 3rd to 4th century CE. Size: 110” W x 80” H (279.4 cm x 203.2 cm) A magnificent mosaic depicting a dramatic marine scene perhaps from the Odyssey or Bible featuring 3 figures, a bird, a rabbit, and 3 fish.

What we love about this lot: One can only imagine the villa whose floor was adorned with such an amazing piece. The detail and imagery so beautifully convey the idyllic Roman seaside.

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lot 41a - Roman Marble Head of Hercules, ex-Sotheby’s Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. Size: 10.1” W x 10.4” H (25.7 cm x 26.4 cm); 13.5” H (34.3 cm) on included custom stand.

An exemplary marble sculpture, skillfully carved to depict the head of the Roman hero Hercules - Greek Herakles slightly turned to the left and crowned by a wreath of ivy or white poplar leaves. Aside from the fact that Hercules often wears a crown of leaves in many Roman depictions, this piece clearly represents the hero due to its likeness with depictions of Herakles Bibax.

Provenance: private New York, USA collection; exSotheby’s London, July 8, 1991, lot 259 What we love about this lot: Incredible detailing with powerful features. Lifesize depiction truly brings the carving to life.

lot 44a - EtruscoCorinthian Polychrome Amphora, ex-Christie’s

Ancient Greece, Corinth, Etrusco-Corinthian (ItaloCorinthian) culture, ca. late 7th century BCE. A stunning example of an Etrusco-Corinthian amphora, wheel-thrown from pottery, that exhibits expert stylization and a sophisticated decorative motif. The sizable vessel features a bulky, inverted piriform body atop a thick, flared foot, a gently sloped shoulder that tapers to form the cylindrical neck, a dense rim, and a pair of slender handles arching from upper neck to shoulder.

Provenance: private New York, USA collection; anonymous sale via Christie’s, New York, June 9, 2011, lot 128, acquired by the previous owner in Switzerland in 1996 from the Swiss Art Market What we love about this lot: If you want something large and in charge, this piece is it!

Boldly painted in red and black with just the right touch of mythology with the four prancing Griffins. We have never had the pleasure of offering such an impressive example.

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lot 49 - Rare Roman Lead Domed Sarcophagus Lid Size: 67.4” L x 15.8” W (171.2 cm x 40.1 cm) Prior to the 2nd century, Romans cremated their dead; around that time, they became inspired by the Greek and Etruscan practice of using sarcophagi, and they began to make lead coffins. The leaves refer to actual garlands and flowers used to decorate tombs and altars. The dolphins, meanwhile, remind us of a powerful and common motif in Roman artwork. The Romans were largely a maritime empire, and the iconography of the sea included dolphins.

What we love about this lot: To be honest, we have never seen one before this incredible example except in books. This shows how one of the most basic metals (lead) can be transformed into art that was designed to last an eternity.

lot 55 - Roman Iron Spatha w/ Bronze Pommel, Ivory Handle Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. Size: 30.6” L x 2.8” W (77.7 cm x 7.1 cm); (blade): 23” L x 1.8” W (58.4 cm x 4.6 cm) The spatha was one of the most prevalent and widely used weapons in the ancient Roman Empire. According to professor of anthropology Michael D. Coe, “The spatha was of Celtic origin. The Romans were exclusively infantrymen, relying on their allies for cavalry. During the Gallic War, Caesar raised huge bodies of cavalry in Gaul. The Gallic tribes were also the target of Augustus’ recruiting efforts when he started to form regular cavalry units to serve alongside the legions operating in the Rhineland. These units were equipped in native fashion with mail shirt, helmet, oval shield, and spear, and the long slashing sword that was to become the spatha, the primary weapon of the middle and later Empire.”

What we love about this lot: Bob found this piece while shooting an episode of Pawn Stars. The shop bought a plain pugio and passed on this Spatha. Blade, guard, pommel, and handle grip are possibly not original to one another but are all from the stated time period.

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lot 78a - Translated Byzantine Mosaic Near East or Europe, Byzantine / Early Christian Period, possibly southern Spain, ca. 6th to 7th century CE. Central Greek cross with several multi-colored borders surrounded by an intricate design of concentric squares within a meander motif. tThe top of the mosaic is embellished with 2 lines of Greek script, which translate to, “Everything here is [the work of] Bishop Isidore / The fount of glory, the good leader.”

What we love about this lot: This amazing piece shows the influence the Christian religion had on Roman society ultimately contributing to the fall of the empire and rise of Byzantium. Inscribed and translated – something so rarely seen!

lot 84 - 19th C. indo-persian gilt iron armor

Central Asia, Persia / Northern India, Mughal or Indo-Persian culture.

Iron chahar-ayneh / char-aina cuirass armor with matching bazu or dastana arm guards and the original chainmail, all decorated with details rendered in gold and silver gilt. Attached to the wrists are chainmail shaped like mittens to drape over the hands and thumb for the greatest amount of dexterity and protection.

Chahar-ayneh armor was used in Asia, India, and central Asia and originated from the Chinese use of bronze discs as mirrors, which happened to be strong enough to be used as pectoral plates.

Size: 19.5” L x 14” W (49.5 cm x 35.6 cm); 23.5” H (59.7 cm) on included custom stand; (breast plate): 12” L x 8.75” W (30.5 cm x 22.2 cm); gold quality: 22.54 to 22.79% What we love about this lot: Look at the incredible detail that went into the gold application of this armor. To the Persian culture, even warfare could be a thing of beauty!

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lot 85 - Gandharan Schist bodhisattva maitreya Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire.

Size: 10.6” W x 12.6” H (26.9 cm x 32 cm); 15.3” H (38.9 cm) on included custom stand.

According to researcher Dr. Dinh Hong Hai, “The Maitreya images in Gandhara feature the lively expression of the Maitreya images as a bodhisattva and an incarnation of the Future Buddha. This constitutes one of the most salient characters of Gandhara art which is distinct from other Buddhist centers of the same period. In Gandhara, artistic images are not only worshipping objects but also express deep feelings.”

What we love about this lot: Amazing and naturalistic carving from the period of Greco-Buddhist art. Maitreya image is closer to human form, narrowing the gap between human beings and deities.

Lot 88 - 18th C. Indian Orissa Stone Figure Hindu God Krishna An elegant figure of the Hindu god Krishna depicted as a young man. Krishna is one of the major deities of Hinduism, an avatar of Vishnu, God of compassion, tenderness, and love.

Size: 4.6” W x 9.3” H (11.7 cm x 23.6 cm); 11.2” H (28.4 cm) on included custom stand.

What we love about this lot: The pure sense of calm that this piece conveys is incredible. Add to that the level of detail found throughout, one can only be enthralled.

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lot 104 - Vietnamese Dong Son Bronze Axe Head w/ Bird Southeast Asia, ca. 1000 BCE to 100 CE. Size: 8.9” L x 4.7” W (22.6 cm x 11.9 cm); 9.4” H (23.9 cm) on included custom stand.

The Dong Son are famous for their bronzes. Animals - especially birds - are sometimes found as motifs on their large bronze drums, alongside motifs of boats. Archeological evidence suggests that bronze items both the making of and ownership of - were controlled by a limited elite who used them to acquire and maintain power over their own people.

What we love about this lot: Coming from a little known and perhaps under-appreciated culture, this Dong Son axe shows a level of sophistication and degree of artistic talent seldom seen.

lot 105 - Huge 10th C. Cambodian Khmer / Angkor Stone Dvarapala Figure Carved stone figure of Dvarapala, a door or gate guardian commonly portrayed as a warrior or ferocious giant.

Size: 19” L x 17.25” W x 35.75” H (48.3 cm x 43.8 cm x 90.8 cm); 42.25” H (107.3 cm) on included custom stand.

A statue nearly identical to this piece (though missing an arm) can be found outside of Banteay Srei in Cambodia

What we love about this lot: Can we say huge?

If you want a powerful piece of art, they really do not get much more powerful than this. This made a huge statement 1000 years ago and it makes that same huge statement today!

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lot 117 - Rare Fossilized Megantereon Sabretooth Cat Skull Western Europe, France, Miocene, ca. 2.5 to 2 million years ago.

Size: 9.75” L x 5.25” W (24.8 cm x 13.3 cm); 9” H (22.9 cm) on included custom stand; sabretooth: 3.5” L (8.9 cm) Megantereon was ancestor to Smilodon, aka, the Sabretooth tiger. Built like a modern-day jaguar, these cats preferred open scrubland rather than forests, using strength and speed to ambush prey and sever their neck arteries with their saber canines. The saber tooth to skull ratio of Megantereon is the largest of any of the sabertoothed cats, and this appears to be an adult female.

What we love about this lot: Who doesn’t love a sabretooth tiger? With teeth the size of daggers, this is one creature that would have stricken such fear in our early ancestors, and awe in the child in all of us!

lot 127 - Fossilized Ammolite Ammonite w/ Mosasaur Bitemark North America, Canada, Alberta, Bearpaw formation, late Cretaceous, ca. 71 million years ago.

Size: 12.5” L x 2.75” W x 10” H (31.8 cm x 7 cm x 25.4 cm) Ammonite of the Placenticerus costatum genus, with an iridescent ammolite shell and puncture marks from a mosasaur! The puncture holes seen on this shellthe circles near the recessed spiral- are likely teeth marks from mosasaurs, although there is some debate whether the marks are a result from limpets attaching themselves to the ammonites.

What we love about this lot: This is the second such ammonite with teeth marks we have handled, and the second one we have ever seen. The oceans were filled with beasts with steak knife-like teeth and an appetite for anything that swam, floated, or even moved. Fast forward 70 million years and the evidence of this has transformed into a work of natural art!

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lot 128 - Fossilized Green River Matrix w/ Palm, Stingray & Fish North America, Wyoming, Green River Formation, Eocene Period, ca. 53.5 to 48.5 million years ago.

Size: 31” L x 1.5” W x 31.25” H (78.7 cm x 3.8 cm x 79.4 cm) Sandstone matrix contains a fossilized stingray (Heliobatis radians) and 3 fish (Diplomystus dentatus) that died in a very aesthetical manner atop a palm frond, creating a rare view into a prehistoric environment that looks like it was taken from an aquarium!

What we love about this lot: When this incredible fossil was “created” Wyoming was still partially under an inland sea. The dinosaurs had been recently (okay, what’s 15 million years among friends) killed off and our world was a completely different place. Visually striking and so thought provoking!

lot 143 - Olmec Pottery Jar w/ Incised Glyph Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Veracruz region, ca. 1000 to 800 BCE. Size: 6.6” Diameter x 7” H (16.8 cm x 17.8 cm) The glyphs on this carving are probably epiOlmec or proto-Mayan. Epi-Olmec, like Mayan, consists of glyphs, often written in lines or columns. Although not all of it has been deciphered, what we know of this language is that it describes religious notions and, to a lesser extent, socio-political matters.

What we love about this lot: Early, fine and with the very beginnings of ancient written language in Messo America. Olmec glyphs ultimately transformed in the Maya writings. This type of piece started it all!

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lot 205 - Superb Aztec Basalt Bust - Cihuateotl (Divine Woman) Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Aztec Empire, ca. 1400 to 1521 CE. Size: 11” L x 7” W x 17” H (27.9 cm x 17.8 cm x 43.2 cm). 76 lbs.

Cihuateteo were known as “Divine Women” representing the spirits of women who died in childbirth, singularly known as Cihuateotl. The Cihuateteo descended to the earth on five specific days in the Aztec calendar and one was the Deer, the deer glyph on this carving indicates her time on earth. While haunting the earth, they are thought to inhibit crossroads and places associated with disease in order to snatch children.

What we love about this lot: To Bob, the finest art conveys the most emotion. How can you look at this piece and not feel the loss conveyed by the tearing eyes, and the overall sense of despair. Sometimes emotion can be pure joy. Sometimes emotion can be pure misery. But emotion is life, and this piece is all about emotion.

lot 231 - 18th C. Native American Algonquin Wood / Iron War Club Native American, Midwestern United States, Indiana, Eastern Woodland, likely Algonquin people.

Size: 22” L x 7.5” W (55.9 cm x 19 cm) The spike likely came from railroad construction or trade- the introduction of European iron and steel helped propel the popularity of these types of clubs.

The upper face has a label that states this piece was purportedly collected in Indiana in 1927.

What we love about this lot: Wood can take on the most wonderful patina if it has been handled over the years and then allowed to age. This club, while exceedingly deadly, has stunning old patina from being used in the most horrific manner.

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lot 250 - Picasso Chouette Aux Taches Ceramic Vase (1951) Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). “Chouette Aux Taches” (A.R. 120) ceramic vase, 1951. Ed. 300. Marked with handwritten “EDITION PICASSO” as well as “EDITION PICASSO” and “MADOURA PLEIN FEU” stamps on underside, consistent with Alain Ramie’s catalogue raisonne no. 120 - conceived in 1951 and executed in an edition of 300.

Size: 11.375” H (28.9 cm)

What we love about this lot: Who - or should we say “whoooooo” - can resist this spotted owl vase

by Picasso? The legendary Picasso endearingly adored owls - he even kept one as a pet in his studio! This particular vessel presents a classic avian form and is beautifully painted.

lot 267 - Signed Norval Morrisseau Painting Sacred Fish, ca. 1985 Signed in Cree syllabics “Copper Thunderbird” on lower right and signed in graphite on verso. A beautiful painting set in a custom frame by Norval Morisseau who has been dubbed “the Picasso of First Nations Artists”.

Size of painting: 25.75” L x 36.5” W (65.4 cm x 92.7 cm) Size of frame: 27.625” L x 38.4” W (70.2 cm x 97.5 cm) What we love about this lot: Vibrant, eyecatching, and fun! Norval Morisseau is heralded as ‘the key figure at the center of an indigenous art movement in Canada’ by the National Chief of Assembly of First Nations and is the only Native Artist to have a solo exhibition by the National Gallery of Canada.

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