208th Buy or Bid Sale - Ancient and World Coins - Classical Antiquities

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Period, late 6th to early 5th Century BC. With beautifully formed features including an archaic smile, this goddess has long, stylized hair with rhythmic waves that fall over her shoulders. She wears disk earrings. Ex Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. Buy or Bid Sale 143, 18 May 2005, lot 445. Mounted. H. 6” (15 cm)............................................2750 GREEK TERRACOTTA KORE, ca. 6th Century BC. Standing tall, modeled in orange clay with some light encrustation. Private New Jersey Collection, acquired 1980’s. Mounted. H. 5 3/4” (14.6 cm).....................................................................850 HELLENISTIC TERRACOTTA HEAD WITH ACTOR’S MASK, Hellenistic, ca. 300-100 BC. A diminutive copy of a tragic actor’s mask. Ex Charles Ede Limited, 146, lot 37, September 1988, previously with Tetragon, Julia Schottlander, UK, 17th September 1987. Mounted. H. 1 1/2” (3.8 cm). ....................................................750 HELLENISTIC TERRACOTTA TRAGIC ACTOR’S HEAD, ca. 1st Century BC. A wonderful example with finely detailed face in tragic expression. The brow furrowed above wide eyes, mouth gaping. Ex Charles Ede Limited, Greek and Roman Terracotta Sculpture XIV, lot 28, February 1996. Previously with Tetragon, Julia Schottlander, UK, 20th July 1992. Mounted. H. 1 1/2” (3.8 cm)............................800 CERAMICS MINOAN LARNAX, ca. 14th-12th Century BC. Minoan sarcophagus of box-like form. Ocher-colored clay with reddish brown painted decoration. SMIII, 14th-12th century BCE. So-called larnax with four feet and six projecting attachments for carrying. On each of the sides, either a stylized octopus or squid with four tentacles arranged in loops- this is the iconic image of the Minoan culture. On each end, decorative pairs of semicircles. Within, on the bottom, three cross-struts. Numerous faults in the walls from the firing process. An important piece, of museum quality.

Interestingly the Swiss doctor who owned this for many years stored wood for her fireplace in it. On the main floor of The Metroplitain Museum of Art in New York is a larnax but of the far more common type with a non-descript floral design. A Minoan larnax is important enough to display which illustrates how relevant it is and why it is important. Restored, small fill-ins. Ex Swiss private collection of Ulla Gieslinde Lindner, Bad Birnbach, Bavaria, acquired before 1975; Ex Harlan J. Berk BBS 174, 10 May 2011, lot 266. Literature: compare Im Labyrinth des Minos, Exhibition in Karlsruhe (2000), p. 315, no. 296. H. 26” L. 24 1/2” W. 18” (66 cm x 62 cm x 45.7 cm)........................................................................................................................85000 BOEOTIAN BLACK FIGURE LEKANIS, ca. 550-530 BC. A large black figure lekanis, the tondo painted with the figure of a striding man. The man wears a long himation and clutches a spear in his raised left hand. The underside of the vessel is decorated with a finely painted chain of lotus buds. Areas of drill holes indicate ancient wired repairs. Ex Professor W. Kendrick Pritchett, Department of Classics, University of California, Berkley, acquired between 1936 and 1960.

Pritchett, a distinguished historian and epigraphist, was a Professor of Greek in the Department of Classics in the University of California, Berkeley. He earned an impressive international reputation as one of the most prolific and innovative scholars in his field. His work includes more than thirty books and over one hundred articles on topics including ancient Greek grammar and syntax, literature and historiography, topography and the arts of war, religion and political institutions, chronography and the study of marble inscriptions. W. 13 1/2” (34.5 cm)..........................................4500 CORINTHIAN LARGE ALABASTRON, Middle Corinthian, ca. 600-575 BC. A large vessel with seated sphinx with open wings. Rosettes of varied size in the field. Restored from damage sustained in the 1989 San Francisco earthquake. Ex Professor W. Kendrick Pritchett, Department of Classics, University of California, Berkeley, acquired between 1936 and 1960; ex Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. BBS 172, 20 December 2010, lot 549. Pritchett, a distinguished historian and epigraphist, was a Professor of Greek in the Department of Classics in the University of California, Berkeley. He earned an impressive international reputation as one of the most prolific and innovative scholars in his field. His work includes more than thirty books and over one hundred articles on topics including ancient Greek grammar and syntax, literature and historiography, topography and the arts of war, religion and political institutions, chronography and the study of marble inscriptions. H. 10 1/4” (26 cm)...............3250 ETRUSCAN BLACK-FIGURE HYDRIA BY THE MICALI PAINTER AND HIS FOLLOWERS, From Vulci, ancient Etruria, ca. 510-500 BC. Large hydria (water-jar) rendering a frieze of panthers and rams on the shoulder and a series of dancing satyrs on the neck. This hydria has been reconstructed largely with originals from the back/handle side of the vase. The front has been added with figures slightly outlined in the style of the originals on the back. The top lip of the vase is decorated with an ivy-leaf pattern. Ex Professor Richard Branson, Department of Classics, University of California, Santa Cruz 1960’s; Ex Arthur Richter Collection 1995; ex Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. BBS 171, 27 October 2010, lot 578. H. 19 1/4” (48.9 cm)...6250 ATTIC RED-FIGURE VOLUTE KRATER BY THE NIOBID PAINTER, ca.

475-450 BC. The Niobid Painter was an ancient Athenian vase painter in the red figure style who was active from approximately 470 to 450 BC. He is named after a calyx krater which shows the god Apollo and his sister Artemis killing the children of Niobe who were collectively called the Niobids. Vase built up from fragments with about 50 percent of the vase being original. Ex California private collection prior to 1997.

H. 21 1/2” (55 cm)..................................................................................................7500 ATTIC TERRACOTTA ALABASTRON WITH SCALE ARMOR MOTIF, ca. early 5th Century BC. The body with four thick bands of black alternating with reserve sections. The piece is similar to the net-like line design occasionally found on Attic pottery of the same period, however, the lines on this example are curved into a scale-like pattern. It is quite possible the curvature was intended to mimic the scales of armor. H. 5 3/4” (14.6cm) W. 2” (5 cm) H. 6 3/4” with stand..........................1650 ATTIC BLACK FIGURE KYLIX WITH PALMETTES, ca. late 6th-early 5th Century BC. The kylix with signature wide shallow bowl, two horizontal loop handles, and stemmed base disk. The inner surface is black glazed with a reserved tondo marked with black dot and ring. The outer surface is adorned with black palmettes and floral elements. A fantastic, elegant piece. Ex private German collection, 1970’s; ex Apolonia Ancient Art. W. 9 5/8” H. 2 3/8” (24.4 cm x 6 cm)............................1250 ATTIC RED FIGURE OWL KANTHAROS, ca. 5th Century BC. A wonderful example in red ware, the owl looking forward, flanked by laurel sprigs. A band of egg-and-dot borders below and extends to the reverse with an additional two bands of decoration. Expertly restored. An extremely rare and unusual piece. Ex Hixenbaugh Ancient Art, 2007. Ex Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. 200th Buy or Bid Sale, lot 461, November 2016. H. 4” (10 cm) W. to handles 5 1/2” (14 cm).................................................4500 BRONZES GREEK BRONZE KOUROS, Archaic Period, ca. mid 6th Century BC. With characteristic up-turned smile, his long plaited hair bound in a band and falling in a thick mass in black, with two plaits falling onto each shoulder, with well defined musculature, especially the pectorals and the arch of the abdomen, a slight depression at the navel the arms held straight at his sides, his left leg slightly advanced. Ex Christie’s New York, 7th December 2000, Lot 418. Mounted. H. 3 1/2” (8.9cm)........ .............................................................................................................................12500 ROMAN BRONZE HERM, ca. 3rd Century AD. The Herm was associated with Hermes a phallic god associated with good luck and fertility. This particular piece was originally a handle to a vessel. The young figure has long hair which can be seen down the back and wears a fillet which drapes over and down the shoulder. Dark brown patina with some incrustation. Ex Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. BBS 57, 29 March 1989, lot 518; Harlan J. Berk “Ancient Art” catalog, August 1992. Mounted. H. 3 1/2” (9 cm)......................................................................................................................1000

458. ROMAN BRONZE BOSS OF HERCULES, ca. 1st-2nd Century AD. Circular boss with the detailed head of a left facing Hercules. His curly hair and prominent beard nicely indicated. W. 1 3/4” (4.4 cm). H. with mount, 4”. ...........................1250 459. NORTH AFRICAN PAIR OF NUBIAN HAIRPIN TOPS, ca. 7th-6th Century BC. The pins modeled in the form of heads of priests. Both approx. 1” (2.5 cm), total height with mount 3 1/4” (8.3 cm)...........................................................................950 JEWELRY 460. ROMAN BRONZE EAGLE FIBULA, ca. 2nd Century AD. Deep green to nearly olive-black patina, the eagle with wings outstretched, head turned over its right wing.

H. 1 1/4” W. 1” (3 cm x 2.5 cm) H. with mount 2 7/8”............................................350 461. ROMAN SILVER SNAKE JEWELRY ELEMENT, ca. 2nd-3rd Century AD. An interesting jewelry element in the form of a coiled snake. The serpent rests its head on its coiled form, the body incised with crosshatched design indicating the scales and head details. W. 1 1/8” H. 7/8” (2.9 cm x 2.2 cm) H. with mount 2 1/2”.................650 462. BYZANTINE SILVER RELIQUARY CROSS, ca. 10th Century AD. The reliquary cross formed of two halves pinned to barrel-shaped suspension loop at the top; pin missing from hinged base. L. 3 5/8” W. 1 3/4” (9.2 cm x 4.5 cm)...........2150 463. BYZANTINE BRONZE RELIQUARY CROSS, ca. 12th-13th Century AD. The obverse of this elaborate cross renders Christ on the cross with three medallions terminating the sides and the top with busts of saints. The reverse renders Mother Mary holding the infant Jesus, again terminating in medallions with saints. The cross is patinated closed and under close magnification traces of gold gilding are visible.

A similar piece discovered in Kiev, Ukraine in 2013 is an almost exact parallel. In ancient times the area was home to a monastery and served as a pilgrimage site for many Orthodox monks. Reliquaries may contain the purported or actual physical remains of a saint. Bones, pieces of clothing, and objects associated with saints or other religious figures are examples of what may have been enclosed in the reliquary.

One of the finest we have ever handled. Mounted but could also be worn. H. 4 1/4” W. 2 3/4” (10.8 cm x 7 cm)....................................................................................2750 464. MEDIEVAL BRONZE HEART SHAPED APPLIQUE, ca. 9th-10th Century.

The adornment with extremely smooth, dark red surface with scattered areas of black and green patina. Mounted. W. 2 1/8” H. 1 1/2” ( H. 5.4 cm x 3.8 cm) H. with mount 3 1/2”. . ..................................................................................................................450 SCULPTURE 465. ROMAN MARBLE HEAD OF MAN, ca. late 2nd Century AD. An elegant portrait bust of a young beardless Roman man. The piece is modeled in white crystalline marble in realistic late 2nd century style. Abrasions across the eyebrows and nose. No restorations. Ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Munich, Auction 262/263 September 09-22 2009, lot 302. H. 7 1/8” W. 5 1/2” (18 cm x 14 cm). H. with mount, 11 3/8” (29 cm).....................................................................................................21500 WEAPONS 466. ELAMITE BRONZE AXE HEAD, ca. Late 3rd-early 2nd Millennium BC. Unusual type produced of cast bronze with curved shaped blade. Possibly used as a chisel and unlike the typical axe heads of the period. Eight registers of incised geometric patterns cover the shaft. Entire piece has a reddish-brown patina with areas of heavy green encrustation. Mounted. L. 4 1/4” (10.8 cm)..................................1200 467. PREHISTORIC EUROPEAN STONE AXE HEAD, Neolithic Period, ca. 3500 BC. Dark grey polished stone axe-hammer with a superb cutting edge. Some evidence of use on the butt end. From Northern Britain. Ex H. Vincent McCarthy, June 2002, lot 27. Ex Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. Buy or Bid Sale 176, 8 September 2011, lot 751. Mounted.

L. 4 7/8” (12.4 cm). ................................................................................................650 468. LURISTAN BRONZE SHORT SWORD, ca. 1200-800 BC. A long triangular blade with flat midrib and earthen patina. Mounted. L. 18” (45.7 cm), 19 1/2” with base...........................................................................................................................950 469. LURISTAN BRONZE SHORT SWORD, ca. 1200-800 BC. Triangular shaped blade with flat midrib and medium tang for attachment to a handle. Some earthen encrustation, overall pleasing green patina. L. 17 1/4” (43.8 cm), 18 3/4” with base.... .................................................................................................................................850 470. LURISTAN BRONZE SHORT SWORD, ca. 1200-800 BC. With elongated leafshape blade and prominent midrib, intact medium tang with rivet hole. Varied green and earthen patina. Minor loss to the point. L. 18 1/4” (46.4 cm), 19 3/4” with base... ...............................................................................................................................1250 PRE-COLUMBIAN 471. PRE-COLUMBIAN NAYARIT TERRACOTTA SEATED WOMAN, Mexico, ca. 250 BC-100 BC. An exceptional Nayarit protective figurine for the departed, the woman is modeled in a dark red fabric with remains of light black line design representing tattoos on the body. A nice piece that is larger than usual, from Western Mexico. Head and foot rejoined. Ex Private California Collection; Ex Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. Buy or Bid Sale 152, 19 December 2006, lot 452. H. 17 1/8” (43.5 cm).......4500 472. MAYAN STONE HACHA, ca. 500 to 950 AD. A Mayan ceremonial hacha modeled in brownish stone in the shape of a human head. Hacha were part of the regalia worn by the players of a popular Mayan game and were notched in the back and mounted on yokes. The name hacha is derived from the Spanish term for “axe.” Traces of red pigment. H. 6 1/8” W. 2 3/4” (15.6 cm x 7 cm)........................................................800 ASIAN ART 473. GANDHARAN SCHIST HEAD, ca. 2nd-3rd Century AD. The head of a bodhisattva from a relief fragment, modeled in three quarters view. Typical GrecoBuddhist features including deeply modeled facial detail and flowing hair. Mounted.

H. 3 1/2” (9 cm), 6 1/8” mounted.............................................................................600 474. GANDHARAN GREY SCHIST PANEL, ca. 2nd-3rd Century AD. A nice example of a Gandharan panel fragment modeled in grey micaceous schist. The piece has two main registers, the lower register depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, with the upper register depicting an architectural panel from a stupa. The piece is a wonderful combination of Asian and Classical influences, mainly in the modeling of the figures and the Corinthian columns in the top register. Earthen encrustation.

Mounted. H. 8 3/4” W. 5 7/8” (22.2 cm x 15 cm) H. 10 1/4” with mount.............2350 475. CHINESE TANG DYNASTY GILT BRONZE BUTTERFLY, ca. 7th Century AD. Elegant gilt bronze Tang butterfly reminding one of Chaung Zsu’s dream of being a butterfly. The piece was originally a hinge modeled in the form of a beautiful butterfly, its wings outstretched and engraved, the antennae arching over the tops of the wings. Mounted on a beautiful blackwood base. Superb provenance. Ex Collection of James and Marilynn Alsdorf, Chicago. W. 3 1/8” H. 2” (7.9 cm x 5 cm) H. with mount, 5 7/8. .........................................................................................................1250 476. CHINESE MING BRONZE SEATED KUANYIN, Ming Dynasty, circa 16th Century AD. This is a nice larger example of an iconic Ming type of sculpture. The beloved, bejeweled and crowned Buddhist Goddess of Mercy sits in lotus position, dressed in heavy flowing robes, holding her pitcher. Kuanyin is a Bodhisattva, which is a Northern Buddhist deity, who has earned the merit to pass into Nirvana, but elects to remain in more worldly form, until all sentient beings are rescued from their cycles of suffering. The piece is cast in two parts, with the sculpture and a separate lotus base, which is often lost in this type of sculpture. Olive patination with traces of original lacquering. H. 12 3/4” (32 cm)..................................................................3000 477. THAI BRONZE ADORNED BUDDHA HEAD, ca. 15th-16th Century AD. A very elegantly modeled adorned Buddha head with serenely modeled facial features and ornate crown. Adorned Buddhas are more common in Thailand and Burma and are often confused with Bodhisattvas. Mounted. H. 4 7/8” W. 3 1/4” (12.4 cm x 8.3 cm) H. with mount, 7”..............................................................................................600