Lot 2A
Central Asia, Kushan Empire, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A rare pair of hammered gold appliques from the Kushan Empire, each a window into the richly hybrid iconography of Central Asia during the first centuries of our era. Executed in high-purity gold (23.5 to 23.6 karats), these light, luminous plaques were likely sewn to ceremonial garments or used as luxury fittings, their hammered repousse figures drawn from a tapestry of Greek, Indian, and Iranian traditions. The rectangular applique depicts a reclining couple in an erotic banquet scene beneath grapevines, the male figure raising a cup or gesture of command while the female, nude and composed, gazes upward. The scene recalls the lush sensuality of Dionysian revelry, a theme well-known in Greco-Roman art but here filtered through the stylized idioms of Gandharan relief - note the elongated limbs, almond-shaped eyes, and framing bamboo-like columns. Size (both similar): 1.9" W x 2.1" H (4.8 cm x 5.3 cm); gold quality: 98.1 to 98.4% (23.5 to 23.6 karats); total weight: 4.4 grams
These lovers rest on what appears to be a woven bed or draped couch, suggesting a princely or mythic context, possibly symbolic of pleasure, fertility, or divine union.
The circular medallion features a leonine bearded figure gripping a long trident, seated above a writhing fish or dolphin. His wild hair, commanding posture, and marine companion suggest a syncretic deity - perhaps Poseidon or Neptune reimagined for the Kushan court, or a local river god with ties to Indic naga cults or Iranian cosmic symbolism. The border is scalloped with vegetal or wave motifs, reinforcing his aqueous dominion. The combination of trident and fish echoes both classical seafaring gods and guardian figures like Vajrapani, protectors of cosmic order in Buddhist art.
Together, these appliques reflect the transcultural spirit of the Kushan world, where wine gods mingled with sea lords, and myth took on a golden sheen. Their delicacy, refinement, and symbolic depth make them extraordinary survivals from a courtly tradition that straddled continents and pantheons.
Provenance: private Dayton, Maryland, USA collection
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.
#195825
- Condition: Some light bending with miniscule chipping and fissures in areas. Very delicate, but impressively preserved imagery and detail.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% 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 |