Description:

Southern Arabian Peninsula, Yemen, ca. 1st - 2nd century CE. An early carved alabaster head of a man with strong forehead and nose, raised eyes with carved pupils, closed mouth, arched eyebrows, and ears on the side. A well placed orange/red vein in the stone frames the face, from temples to chin and back, creating a natural beard and adding subtle touch of color in the face. Beautiful brown/orange stone runs down back. Nice patina in stone.

Though it may seem that South Arabia is out of the way for the well known classical Mediterranean world, the area which is now Yemen was a hotspot for the spice trade, particularly with frankincense and myrrh. They are famous for their inscriptions, and especially their alabaster carvings, like this well refined head presented here. 6-1/2"H.

Provenance: Ex-Private Paris/New York Collection, acquired in the 1960s. Acquired by current owner in 1971.

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: Excellent condition with minor pitting and wear commensurate with age.

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June 13, 2014 9:00 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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000