This Tunjo is 5 1/2" long. Tunjos are from the Musica culture, 900AD-1500AD. This culture inhabited the high plateau in the area of modern Bogota. Most Tunjos that survived are made from gold or tumbaga. Obviously, many were made from bone, but being an organic material, very few bone ones have survived. In fact, this is the only one I have ever seen. I have had several gold Tunjos and they are unique and beautiful and in much demand. Needless to say, bone Tunjos are extremely rare.
Rare Warring States, circa 475–221 BCE, squat gray pottery jar, with incised wave, impressed diamond and large carved spiral patterned bands. The spiral pattern is quite interesting as this is usually only seen on archaic jade bi from the period. Some of the tips of the spiral are broken otherwise superb condition considering its delicacy and age. The surface absorbs water very quickly with a distinct petrichor scent. D: 28cm/11in and H: 14cm/5.5in.
A quirk of history went on in China in the late 1990's. They were building dams similar to our Tennessee Valley Authority dams. The government allowed archeologists and treasure hunters to dig in the areas where the land was about to be flooded. The result is that the average collector, through the internet, had the opportunity to acquire the most precious and valued treasures of China. Ancient Chinese jade is much more than a collectible; it is a great investment in ancient history...
This Chavin 23-24K pure gold hammered pendant or nose ornament depicts the Chavin Monster/Dragon swallowing some poor sap whole with his head sticking out of the monster's mouth and blood spurting out of the top of his head. It is paper thin and 1 5/8" in diameter. This grizzly macabre scene is a true masterpiece of pre-Columbian art. It has been verbally authenticated by a forensic laboratory specializing in pre-Columbian gold that uses 10 steps to pass authentication...
Very fine and extremely rare Japanese Haniwa sculpture of a farmer with a charming expression, pointed hat, large hoop ear jewelry below a butterfly hairstyle, arms held to the front, 3rd Century AD (Kofun Period) created for a rice farmer to represent wealth. Rice farmers were among the most prosperous of Japanese society in the Kofun period. Provenance: Property formerly owned by the Honolulu Academy of Art. Collection Number is on the bottom of the piece...
This Olmec maskette is from Veracruz, Mexico. It dates to 1200-900BC. It measures 2" wide by 1 1/4" high by 1/2" deep. It depicts the classic were-jaguar with forehead cleft, almond shaped eyes, broad nose, mouth showing gums and teeth and a scrolled design that encircles the sides of the face. The top of the forehead is biconically drilled for suspension in a design that is reminiscent of the Costa Rican agate bat wing pendants from the same time period...
Relief fragment, sculpted in grey schist, with two levels, the upper level representing Buddha, under an arcade, sitting in royal repose on a dais, and flanked by three disciples on his right, the lower level representing the bust of a Bodhisattva under a vault. Gandhara graeco-Buddhist art, ca. 3rd century. Height: 21 cm. Width: 15 cm. Thickness: around 6.3 cm. The relief is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Good condition.
An awesome Chinese Han dynasty green glaze farm house with three birds on the roof, mill and a grinder. Lt. 18cm. Condition: minor chips, no restore, in good condition as shown. Shipping from Taipei, Taiwan via EMS at actual cost. Item selling at various platform, please ask before ordering.
A rare Tang - Five dynasties yue ware carved big bird, bird with rare head position and fine carved feather motif, good green celadon color, bird in good condition no damage no chip no crack no restoration, size: 8 cm wide.
Very nice mirror with a lovely green ecrusted patina.
China, Han Dynasty (206BC-221AD)
Diameter: 10,5 cm
Large rock cristal seal of dome form, with an engraved design representing the bust of a helmeted king in profile. A vertical inscription is incised in front of the profile. Bactria, 4th century BC. Height of the dome: 2.6 cm. Height of the seal: 3.1 cm. Traces of soil encrustation. Tiny chips, otherwise very good condition.
A Pre-Columbian Mayan Mushroom Stone, c. 600 AD. It's 6.5" tall and has stains on its edges from being gripped during intense ceremonies. It comes from a private Berkeley, California collection.
Antique Chinese tomb pottery clay figure of an ox. He is wonderfully hand-sculpted with old remnants of red and black pigment and a hollowed body. Han Dynasty dates 206 BC - 220 AD.
Size: 8" H x 15" L x 5" D
Small Buddhist stupa mounted on an elephant. The stupa is composed of three parts which were carved separately from chlorite. Graeco-Buddhist art, Gandhara, ca. 3rd century. Height: 13.7 cm. Several chips, otherwise very good condition. A rare piece.
Very rare Tang Dynasty (618CE to 907CE) terra cotta wall tile depicting the face of a Zhemushou, a fierce guardian earth spirit meant to ward off evil. It is a trapezoidal shape with much of original red and black pigments intact. Some loss to the lower lip (please see enlargements). Lower W: 19cm/7.8in, upper W: 16cm/6.1in and H: 20cm/9in.
A pair of petal-lobed stoneware bowls, covered with a transparent greenish glaze. Five Dynasties ( 907 – 960 )
Diameter : 11,6 + 12,1 cm. H : 4,6 + 5 cm.
Condition : Perfect.
Set of Song to XiXia dynasty or early bronze belt accessories. Not sure if this is a complete set, but difficult even to gather all these pieces. Dimension: longest 4.5 cm. Condition: as shown. Shipping from Taipei, Taiwan via EMS at actual cost. Item selling at various platform, please ask before ordering.
Probably Shang Dynasty 12th - 11th century BC.
H : 8,4 cm
Condition : Perfect
Provenance : Old German collection.
White ground lekythos decorated in black-figure with two quadrigae at full speed to right, one overlapping the other by about a horse's length.
The charioteers lean forward in their chariot boxes and hold goad and reins.
The artist creates a mix-up with the different teams – the leading horses appear on the foreground while their charioteer is hidden behind the following team.
The frieze with a band of checkerboard pattern above and of enclosed dot rosettes below.
F...
Fine early example of a Jomon Period Dogu Clay Figure, the earliest known Japanese
figures. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of
sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses
could be transferred into the Dogu, and then destroyed, clearing the
illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu,
they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a
futuristic look...
Tang Dynasty Changsha ware bowl.( 9th century ) Stoneware body decorated with a calligraphic floral motive in brown and green under a yellow ash glaze. Changsha type Henan. Found in a shipwreck near Belitung island, Palembang, Sumatra. D : 6 inc. Some glaze corroded.
Exquisite Pre-Columbian stirrup vessel depicting Two Jaguars, an adult and cub, 500 BC–500 AD, 8" H x 10.5 ; Vicus, Peru. This piece appears in "Pre-Columbian Art" by Alan Lapiner, in color on page 186. Its broad grin is reminiscent of the characters in Maurice Sendak's book "Where the Wild Things Are." It has been reassembled from approximately 5 pieces, with the cracks filled in.
Chinese tang dynasty Changsha large bowl. 20 cm diameter. Good condition, free from any repair ,crack or chipped. has some degradation glaze (please see on the picture).
Offered here is an outstanding Greek Apulian Kylix. The kylix has a splendid body form with beautiful intact handles that curl slighly upward at the tips. The feature of this piece is the nice band of grapevines that surrounds the piece on both the inside and the outside. In addition, this kylix features Medusas' stamp, which adds even more value and beauty to this piece. There is little wear to this piece and it remains fully intact and without restoration...
Interesting and attractive gold Quatrefoil openwork pendant with small loop at one side and an engraved cross in the center, Roman-Darkage c. 4th.-6th. cent. BC.
A heavy hanger, very attractive. The gold is almost pure and around 22 carats or so. The central cross was deliberately erased at one point in antiquity, which could have been done by pagans / romans in the late antiquity.
Size: 19-20 mm. in diameter and weighing a solid 3.45 grams.
Ex...
A good Chinese Tang dynasty lady figure. Ht. 18cm. Condition: no restore, in good condition as shown. Shipping from Taipei, Taiwan via EMS at actual cost. Item selling at various platforms, please ask before ordering.
A very decorative Han Dynasty gilt bronze mat weight with 3 mythical animals ( chimera ). H : 5,6 cm. Diameter : 6,9 cm. Provenance : From an old, east German collection...
Finely carved with serene expression.
With downcast eyes, elongated earlobes and wearing a fine moustache. His jewelled hair dress with flowing curls forming a topknot.
This splendid piece is 18 In (46 cm) height.
Estimate value: $30 000/ $40 000
Provenance: Property of an English gentlemen, acquired late 50's in India
Ghandara grey schist frieze of the birth of the Buddha with five figures.
Provenance: Spinks and Son, London 1960s
Handley Collection
4th century
8" H x 10" W x 1 3/4" D
Beautifully carved relief fragment representing the head of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, wearing a diadem on which appears a small Buddha Amithaba in meditation sitting on a lotus throne and surrounded by foliage. Avalokiteshvara has a third eye, and a necklace. Stone, with some abrasion. Gandhara Graeco-Buddhist period (1st to 5th century). Height: 18.5 cm. The head is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition. Provenance: 1) collection of a French diplomat who stayed in Pakistan ...
This very fine drilled 6 1/4" carved bone shawl or hair pin depicts three birds eating a large snake and is engraved on both sides. It is beautifully patinated.
A Five dynasties Yue Mise bowl,decorated with lotus at outside wall and glazed foot ring, bowl covered with grayish - green glaze
Bowl is in good condition with glaze degradation, no chip, no crack, no restoration.
Size: 16,5 cm diameter. 5,5cm high.
Diameter approximately 15 cm. There are soft chips at the rim. There are several glaze fall. In good condition.
Very fine and thinly cast bronze mirror wit unusual decoration. China, Han Dynasty (206BC-221AD). Diameter 10 cm. Excellent condition.
Beautiful semi-transperant calchedony stone seal carved with a priest of Marduk in the base, Neo-Babylonian, 8th.-6th. cent. BC.
Attractive and finely polished seal.
Size: 17-18 mm. tall.
Condition: Near Extremely fine, thin light surface calcification.
Provenance: Gustav Oberländer (1926-2012), Oberländer aquired his massive and important collection of seals between 1985 - 2000s, bought at reputable dealers and from old collections. Gustav Oberlän...
Fine oil lamp made of steatite, carved into the shape of a bird, with floral and geometric relief decor on the sides. Bactrian Civilisation, Ca. 2nd century B.C. Length: 16.5 cm. Height: 6.3 cm. Tiny chips, otherwise very good condition.