Description:

Late Hellenistic (Greek) / Early Roman, ca. 2nd century BCE to 1st century CE. An exquisite sardonyx vase demonstrating immense artistry, carved in an ovoid form with a pointed base, a gently flaring neck with a bevelled rim, and a skillfully hollowed interior. The mesmerizing treasure presents an attractive composition of black, grey, and white bands throughout, the artist taking full advantage of the stone's beauty. Size: 1.625" in diameter x 2" H (4.1 cm x 5.1 cm); 3.5" H (8.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Vessels made from semiprecious stones like sardonyx were prized during Hellenistic and Roman times - coveted as symbols of wealth, status, and sophisticated taste. Quite rare, they were oftentimes imitated in mosaic glass or pottery. A piece like this would have been cherished as an heirloom or presented as a diplomatic gift. They were also placed in royal tombs, and several have found their way into imperial collections.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; listed in Christie's Sale 2323, June 10, 2010, Lot 129 with an estimate of $12,000 to $18,000

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#133240

  • Condition: Repaired from 3 to 4 pieces - very well done. Internal fissures visible on the neck. Christie's label affixed to bottom of lucite stand.

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