Ancient Bactrian Stone Idol - Abstract Spheroid
Ancient Central Asia, Bactria, ca. late 3rd to early 2nd millennium BCE. An intriguing idol of an abstract, nearly-spherical form, hand-carved from beige-colored hardstone with gorgeous veining in hues of vermilion and citrine. The spheroid idol bears a shallow groove oriented lengthwise around the body, and a deeper grooved area is situated on the base for added stability. Ancient idols that reduce natural forms to simple shapes and lines - like this example - are considered some of our oldest art forms. The wide variety of forms fascinate modern scholars and archaeologists because they hint at a cosmology and belief system that we can no longer understand. A mysterious and attractive example of fine Bactrian artistry! Size: 6.5" L x 6.4" W x 6.3" H (16.5 cm x 16.3 cm x 16 cm).
Stone idols like this example are known in a variety of fascinating forms throughout the pre-literate ancient world. From the truly abstract kilia-type figures that are barely recognizable as human to the exaggerated feminine shapes of so-called "Venus" figures, people in the past, as today, had a clear desire to portray human forms and did not feel constrained by naturalism.
A stylistically-similar example, of a longer form, hammered for EUR 7,768 ($8,861.91) at Christie's, Kasteel van's-Gravenwezel, Antwerp "Axel Vervoordt, Antwerp" auction (sale 6850, May 10-12, 2004, lot 182): https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-bactrian-marble-cult-object-2nd-millennium-4285154-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=4285154&sid=f1a77b79-dbcd-4400-ad1c-55234ff289da
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-private German collection, acquired in the 1970s
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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#148400
Condition Report: Minor chips and abrasions to all surfaces, with light encrustations, and minor softening to some incised grooves, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits and nice root marks throughout.
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Ancient Central Asia, Bactria, ca. late 3rd to early 2nd millennium BCE. An intriguing idol of an abstract, nearly-spherical form, hand-carved from beige-colored hardstone with gorgeous veining in hues of vermilion and citrine. The spheroid idol bears a shallow groove oriented lengthwise around the body, and a deeper grooved area is situated on the base for added stability. Ancient idols that reduce natural forms to simple shapes and lines - like this example - are considered some of our oldest art forms. The wide variety of forms fascinate modern scholars and archaeologists because they hint at a cosmology and belief system that we can no longer understand. A mysterious and attractive example of fine Bactrian artistry! Size: 6.5" L x 6.4" W x 6.3" H (16.5 cm x 16.3 cm x 16 cm).
Stone idols like this example are known in a variety of fascinating forms throughout the pre-literate ancient world. From the truly abstract kilia-type figures that are barely recognizable as human to the exaggerated feminine shapes of so-called "Venus" figures, people in the past, as today, had a clear desire to portray human forms and did not feel constrained by naturalism.
A stylistically-similar example, of a longer form, hammered for EUR 7,768 ($8,861.91) at Christie's, Kasteel van's-Gravenwezel, Antwerp "Axel Vervoordt, Antwerp" auction (sale 6850, May 10-12, 2004, lot 182): https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-bactrian-marble-cult-object-2nd-millennium-4285154-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=4285154&sid=f1a77b79-dbcd-4400-ad1c-55234ff289da
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-private German collection, acquired in the 1970s
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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#148400
Condition Report: Minor chips and abrasions to all surfaces, with light encrustations, and minor softening to some incised grooves, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits and nice root marks throughout.
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Time, Location
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