Ancient Central to Eastern Europe, Bronze Age, ca. 10th to 11th century BCE. A magnificent bronze pendant cast into 4 pieces and assembled as a massive ornament or pectoral of a symmetrical and geometric shape. The lower piece is an openwork of circular motifs like the spokes of a heel, with short conical point in the center of both. Atop the edge are tabs with suspension holes and a ring welded through the hole and connected to the verso of the 2 central rondel pieces like a hinge. The upper half is also attached to the rondel rings and comprised of flattened parallel and horizontal bars, and a pair of double axe shaped panels that form an open work circle. A thicker arched band at the top serves as the suspension loop of this unusual piece which may have functioned as a standard or cart ornament. Size: 5.75" L x 8.75" H (14.6 cm x 22.2 cm); 10.25" H (26 cm) on included custom stand.

Published in Eisenberg, J. "Art of the Ancient World." Vol. XXVI, New York, 2015, no. 156

Provenance: ex-Royal Athena Galleries, New York, New York, USA; ex-Gorny & Mosch, Munich, Germany, December 2012; ex-German art market, 2003

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.

#171573

Loss to lower panel as shown. Old chips and nicks. Overall great condition and heavy patina.