Lot 79B
Ancient Near East, Persia, Achaemenid Empire, ca. 5th to 4th century BCE. A fine pair of bronze coil-form armbands or bracelets, each terminating in distinct zoomorphic heads. The larger example is adorned with opposing feline heads, their rounded snouts and incised features suggesting lions or panthers, animals long associated with imperial power and protection in Achaemenid iconography. The thinner bracelet ends in more abstract serpent heads, their elongated forms and subtle detailing evoking snakes, symbolic creatures often linked to regeneration, protection, and eternity. Both are fashioned from thick bronze rods bent into continuous coils, their surfaces now enriched with mottled green and brown patina from age. Such armbands embody the dual function of adornment and talisman, simultaneously serving as markers of social rank and as amulets harnessing the symbolic potency of animals. Size of larger: 3.75" Diameter (9.5 cm)
The juxtaposition of leonine strength and serpentine resilience may have further amplified their protective and status-bearing role for the wearer. Comparable pieces are known from Achaemenid contexts across Persia and the wider empire, with similar zoomorphic terminals seen in examples preserved in the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. These bracelets exemplify the artistry of Achaemenid metalworkers, who transformed bronze into objects of both elegance and enduring cultural meaning.
Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#176797
- Condition: One head of more petite bracelet is sanded down on exterior side. Surface wear as shown, but otherwise very nice and wearable. While each piece has been polished in modern times, XRF analysis confirms that their compositions are consistent with ancient origin. This restoration offers the viewer a glimpse of how these objects would have appeared in antiquity.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping
Artemis Fine Arts
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 + | $500 |