Lot 433
**Originally Listed At $350**
Eastern Mediterranean, Byzantine Empire, ca. 5th to 7th century CE. A striking Byzantine glass amphoriskos, mouth-blown in deep cobalt-black glass, its form animated by an applied thread of pale blue-white trailing. The vessel rises from a flat discoid foot into a broad, tapering body, crowned by a short neck and twin arched handles drawn upward with sculptural elegance. Around the shoulder coils a rhythmic zigzag of molten glass, laid with confident hand while still hot, the pale trailing dancing like flickering flame against the darker core. This vessel speaks to the enduring brilliance of late antique glassmakers, who inherited Roman technique and transformed it with new spiritual and aesthetic energy. Glass amphoriskoi such as this one were prized for storing perfumed oils or sacred substances, their gleaming surfaces and vibrant trails enhancing the ritual or intimate settings in which they were used. Their portability made them companions of the faithful, the fashionable, and the departed alike. Size: 2" Diameter x 2.5" H (5.1 cm x 6.4 cm)
Traces of iridescence shimmer beneath ancient earth accretions, lending the piece a quiet luminosity. The form is complete, its weathered contours bearing witness to centuries of silence and soil.
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
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.
#195605
- Condition: A few nicks and abrasions to surface as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with areas of weathering film and scattered, silvery iridescence.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
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 | $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 |