Description:

Ancient Near East, Syro-Hittite, ca. 2nd millennium BCE. A fantastic, distinctive item, a mirror hand-carved from gypsum into the form of a face, with a delicate glass disc reflective surface set into the back. The face has painted details, with one eye and eyebrow remaining; the hair, nose, and mouth, are all carved in realistic form. Mirrors in the ancient world were often used for divining purposes, to allow communication between the gods and people. The small disc of this mirror suggests that it was used for a spiritual, rather than a practical purpose. Comes with custom stand. Size: 4.7" W x 4.5" H (11.9 cm x 11.4 cm); height on stand: 5.8" (14.7 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago

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.

#121551

  • Condition: Small losses to edges, with nice pigment remaining, especially on one half of face. Iridescent patina and deposits on glass surface.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

July 11, 2017 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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000