Lot 159A
Anatolia, Turkey, Middle Chalcolithic period, Ca 2nd millennium BCE. An amazingly massive and rare decorated pottery amphora, in the style known as "Troy-Type." Voluptuous base with four loop handles and long graduated neck. The form projects quite an elegant silhouette. Furthermore, the vessel is painted in red geometric patterns, even continuing into the upper inner rim. Troy pottery was more commonly monochrome black or gray-green; fewer examples were decorated with such intricate zigzag or sometimes wave-like motifs. This piece features botanical-inspired palmettes on the inner rim and a profuse interlocking of zigzag linear patterns throughout its composition. It is as wondrous and significant as the masterworks of the Minoans who also relished flowing voluminous forms and delighted in elaborate designs. Beyond the exquisite aesthetic of this piece is its association with Homeric Troy - Do you have images of the siege of Troy from the Illiad or Odysseus' journey home in its sequel the Odyssey in your head? Perhaps you are more familiar with the Roman poet Virgil's elaborations of these Homeric legends of Troy in his Aeneid. If not, just picture this, the city of Troy was picturesquely set on a hill across from the plain of Scamander where the legendary Trojan War took place, waged by the Achaeans after Paris of Troy boldly took Helen from her husband Menelaus, the king of Sparta! Yes, I can go on and on. Did I fail to mention that the infamous archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann revealed the historical reality of this supposed mythical place layer by layer in the nineteenth century? There is no end of historical and literary import to the land of Troy, and this vessel brings us into contact with its legends, perhaps not literally, but just allow your imagination do the work. Vessel measures an amazing 25" H by 21" W. Will require additional shipping, although crate is already built and ready to go.
Provenance: Ex-private collection of William Dale, a career diplomat stationed in Turkey in the early 1960's, who acquired a vast collection of Greek, Roman and Near-Eastern treasures during his tenure.
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.
- Condition: Repaired, but all there.
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Artemis Fine Arts
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| 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 |