Description:

Central Asia or Asia Minor, Bactria, ca. 3rd to 2nd millennium BCE. A beautiful example of a pillar idol, hand-carved and smoothed from creamy, white and beige-banded marble. The body of the idol is highly abstract, with an elongated hourglass form. The lower end curves out gently to a slightly convex base with a shallow, horizontal groove down it. The upper end flares outward at a steeper angle and has a flat base, also with a shallow, horizontal groove through it. Size: 3.75" W x 7.7" H (9.5 cm x 19.6 cm)

Stone idols like this one are known in a variety of fascinating forms throughout the pre-literate ancient world. From the truly abstract Kilia-type figures that are barely recognizable as human to the exaggerated feminine shapes of so-called "Venus" figures, people in the past, as today, had a clear desire to portray human forms and did not feel constrained by naturalism.

Provenance: private United Kingdom collection acquired before 1990

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#125440

  • Condition: Two small chips to upper rim. Otherwise in beautiful condition with very light signs of wear from age and handling.

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April 17, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000