Description:

Greece, Archaic period, ca. 6th century BCE. A gorgeous pair of high-quality silver (98.56%) bracelets, both boasting torq forms and abstractly designed terminals resembling serpent heads. Each fierce reptile has been carefully formed to exhibit annular eyes, a pointed snout, and a straight, incised mouth. A lovely circular design representing scales adorns their bodies. Their size indicates that they were likely intended to be worn by a child. The serpent, with its ability to change its skin, symbolized rebirth, fertility, and immortality in the Greco-Roman world. Frequently present in mythologic scenes, snakes were also linked to many deities, such as Apollo - god of healing, medicine, archery, music and poetry; Asclepius (also Asklepios) - god of medicine; and Demeter - goddess of the harvest as well as sacred law and the cycle of life and death. These bangles may have served as apotropaic ornaments for their wearer, similar to Gorgoneion (heads of women with hair of snakes) amulets . A dazzling set of bracelets - rich with iconographic meaning and artistic virtuosity! Silver quality: 98.56%; Size of bracelet (roughly the same): 2.25" W (5.7 cm); Size of interior (roughly the same): 1.875" in diameter (4.8 cm); Weight (together): 139.5 grams

Provenance: ex-private Tennessee, USA collection; ex-Arte Primitivo, Auction 68, December 5, 2013 Lot #474; ex-Taisei Gallery Collection auction, November 1992, Lot # 109

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#162952

  • Condition: Some light abrasions and softening of details, commensurate with age. Intact and excellent with nice patina throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

June 10, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000