Lot 7
Ancient Greece, Geometric period, ca. 750 to 700 CE. An incredibly rare Geometric bronze bottle stopper in the form of a seated monkey with elbows upon upraised knees and holding a vessel, fruit, or other food source to his mouth or nose. The simian creature squats upon a square base supported by a cylindrical pedestal mounted upon a circular base with flattened knobs adorning each side. It bears repeating that this is an extremely rare example from the Geometric period of the likes of the infamous Homer that laid the foundation for the Classical Period. Lucite block stand. Size: stopper measures 2.125" H (5.4 cm); 3.5" H (8.9 cm) on stand
Although these objects are commonly referred to as jug stoppers, their elaborate three-dimensional decoration seems to indicate a different use, perhaps as pendants suspended from belts. The many dozens of examples known, found primarily in Macedonia, eastern Albania, and Thessaly, attest to their great popularity in antiquity. The figures have been variously described as monkeys, demons, musicians, or drinkers. As Kilian-Dirlmeier points out, the invisions on the backs of many of these figures point to their being representations of humans rather than animals. For a full disussion of burial contexts, see Kilian-Dirlmeier, pp. 205 - 208.
Provenance: Ex - Private NYC collection
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#115433
- Condition: Intact and superb! Gorgeous green patina!
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| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |