Romano-Egyptian, ca. 1st century BCE/CE. Another of the most important examples of ancient gold we have had the pleasure of offering. Heavy gold foil formed into the likeness of a playful monkey. Incredibly detailed with male anatomy, fur/hair all over its body, hands to its mouth, long tail ending with fluff-ball at the tip, wearing braided cap. Size: 1.5" W x 2.625" H (3.8 cm x 6.7 cm).

This incredible example, and its crocodile cousin from the same collection (lot 9C) were first discussed in a letter to Mr. Arif Atiyeh or Portland, Oregon in 1959 where they were discussing the ancient origins of these pieces. It has since been analyzed by Pieter Mayer, Phd, Senior Research Scientist Emeritus , Los Angeles County Museum of Art / LACMA, who has concluded the following:
"The trace element composition shows the absence of elevated levels of modern metals such as cadmium, nickel and zinc which is consistent with “ancient” gold. Modern gold often contains higher concentrations of one or more of these modern metals. The technical characteristics of the Figure of a Crocodile, specifically the good craftsmanship, the apparent use of solderless joining and the alloy and trace element compositions are consistent with a date of manufacture in antiquity."
Test has not been done for the monkey, but we will be happy to submit the monkey for the same analysis at cost to the winning bidder. Should results be different than the crocodile and the piece not determined to be ancient, we will refund both the price of the monkey, as well as the cost of the test.

Provenance: Ex- Fernea collection, Chicago IL (1959), ex T. Atiyeh collection, since 1960.

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.

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