Massive Etruscan Bronze Horse Bit w/ Swan Heads
Northern Italy, Etruscan, ca. 5th to 3rd century BCE. An impressive and ornate cast bronze horse bit with swan heads. The outermost curved rods are long cheek pieces with conical finials to control direction by pressing into the horse's cheek when pulling the reins, which ran through the integral rings. The piece that sits in the horse's mouth is formed by 2 thick twisted rods with rings at both ends that are linked to each other in the center and to the cheek pieces. Extending from the bit rings, each swan head presents a slender, elongated form, dipped gracefully downwards and displaying incised feathers and eyes. This bit is a wonderful piece of riding tack, demonstrating superb craftsmanship and providing great insight into ancient horsemanship! Size: 11.75" L x 7.75" W (29.8 cm x 19.7 cm)
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#137129
Condition Report: Intact and very good. Areas of russet, blue, and green patina.
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Northern Italy, Etruscan, ca. 5th to 3rd century BCE. An impressive and ornate cast bronze horse bit with swan heads. The outermost curved rods are long cheek pieces with conical finials to control direction by pressing into the horse's cheek when pulling the reins, which ran through the integral rings. The piece that sits in the horse's mouth is formed by 2 thick twisted rods with rings at both ends that are linked to each other in the center and to the cheek pieces. Extending from the bit rings, each swan head presents a slender, elongated form, dipped gracefully downwards and displaying incised feathers and eyes. This bit is a wonderful piece of riding tack, demonstrating superb craftsmanship and providing great insight into ancient horsemanship! Size: 11.75" L x 7.75" W (29.8 cm x 19.7 cm)
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#137129
Condition Report: Intact and very good. Areas of russet, blue, and green patina.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
