Description:

Western Asia, Scythian culture, ca. mid 1st millennium BCE. A very fine Scythian 91% gold applique (equivalent to just under 22K) depicting an avian form in profile with remarkable details - delineated plumage on the wings, tailfeathers, and neck - a curved beak and elegant eye. This bird appears to be perched, as if landing atop the arm of a falconer. The Scythians are famous for their goldwork, and rightly so; hoards of their treasures have been found throughout eastern and central Europe and western and central Asia. Scholars have posited that these hoards may represent gifts for foreign rulers, votive offerings, or treasures buried and forgotten. Other gold artifacts from this culture are found in their incredibly rich graves. According to Scythian tradition, warriors (both male and female) were buried alongside their servants and horses, with weapons, harnesses, and personal adornments in order to provide for them in the afterlife. Gold quality: 91% gold, equivalent to 20 to 22K. Size: 1" W x 1.125" H (2.5 cm x 2.9 cm); 3.125" H (7.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000

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.

#158894

  • Condition: Minute nicks to tips of a few wings - very difficult to discern. Otherwise intact and superb. Attached to stand with putty, so difficult to remove to weigh.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

October 8, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 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