This ancient votive seal was discovered with a cache of similar artifacts along the shores of Lake Van.Evoking the dawn of Western culture, these apparently were offerings at  More »

This ancient votive seal was discovered with a cache of similar artifacts along the shores of Lake Van.Evoking the dawn of Western culture, these apparently were offerings at the shrine of some powerful god. This unknown deity appears to have been associated with fertility and rebirth The design that adorns the of stood in proxy for more costly sacrifices. Pressed into soft clay or wax, they would have created multiple images to win the favor of the god. Carved with an abstract simplicity but an observant eye toward nature, the stark visual appeal of this piece is timeless These seals represent dreams, hopes and aspirations for health, success, and happiness that are as old as civilization itself. v-(D.0122) Engraved Votive Seal with an Intaglio D.0122 Origin: Lake Van, Anatolia Circa: 4000 BC to 3000 BC Dimension1.75(4.4cm) high x 1(2.5cm) wide x 75"(1.9cm) depth Collection: Near Eastern Style:Neolithic Medium: Dickite   « Less

Since the dawn of time, man has offered votives to win the benign favor of his gods. Sometimes these were perishable gifts of food, or wine, or livestock. At other times they  More »

Since the dawn of time, man has offered votives to win the benign favor of his gods. Sometimes these were perishable gifts of food, or wine, or livestock. At other times they were figures of stone, metal or clay--votives of a more enduring nature. The temples of antiquity were filled to overflowing with lively depictions of deities, royalty, ordinary folk and animals, all meant to capture the attention of the silent heavens. As symbols of human aspiration, tokens of dreams whose outcome has long been forgotten, such objects place us directly in touch with the living past. - (P.4078)   « Less

since the dawn of time, man has offered votives to win the benign favor of his gods. Sometimes these were perishable gifts of food, or wine, or livestock. At other times they  More »

since the dawn of time, man has offered votives to win the benign favor of his gods. Sometimes these were perishable gifts of food, or wine, or livestock. At other times they were figures of stone, metal or clay--votives of a more enduring nature. The temples of antiquity were filled to overflowing with lively depictions of deities, royalty, ordinary folk and animals, all meant to capture the attention of the silent heavens. As symbols of human aspiration, tokens of dreams whose outcome has long been forgotten, such objects place us directly in touch with the living past. - (P.4081)   « Less

Origin: Egypt Circa: 664 BC to 30 BC Dimensions: .3" (0.8cm) high x .2" (0.5cm) wide x .375" (1.0cm) depth Collection: Egyptian Antiquities Style: Late Dynastic/Ptolemaic  More »

Origin: Egypt Circa: 664 BC to 30 BC Dimensions: .3" (0.8cm) high x .2" (0.5cm) wide x .375" (1.0cm) depth Collection: Egyptian Antiquities Style: Late Dynastic/Ptolemaic Period Medium: Faience The first examples of amulets appeared in Ancient Egypt as early as 4000 B.C. Believed to possess magical powers that protected the wearer or bestowed upon the properties they symbolized, amulets were worn both by the living as well as the dead. Throughout their evolution, talismans were crafted from a variety of materials including precious metals such as gold and silver, semiprecious stone like jasper and carnelian, as well as other more affordable glazed compositions such as faience. The particular powers of an individual amulet were based upon its specific shape, although the material and even the color of the charm could affect its magical abilities. While many of the amulets created to be worn by the living could also be worn after death, there also existed a specific group of charms that were made specifically to be placed upon the mummified remains of the deceased. All together, amulets represent an important class of Ancient Egyptian art that furthers our understanding of their complex religious beliefs. - (CK.0235)   « Less

This ancient votive seal was discovered with a cache of similar artifacts along the shores of Lake Van.Evoking the dawn of Western culture, these apparently were offerings at  More »

This ancient votive seal was discovered with a cache of similar artifacts along the shores of Lake Van.Evoking the dawn of Western culture, these apparently were offerings at the shrine of some powerful god. This unknown deity appears to have been associated with fertility and rebirth The design that adorns the of stood in proxy for more costly sacrifices. Pressed into soft clay or wax, they would have created multiple images to win the favor of the god. Carved with an abstract simplicity but an observant eye toward nature, the stark visual appeal of this piece is timeless These seals represent dreams, hopes and aspirations for health, success, and happiness that are as old as civilization itself. v-(D.0121) Engraved Votive Seal with an Intaglio D.0121Origin: Lake Van, Anatolia Circa: 4000 BC to 3000 BC Dimension1.75(4.4cm) high x 1(2.5cm) wide x 75"(1.9cm) depth Collection: Near Eastern Style: Neolithic Medium: Dickite   « Less

The lion is a symbol of strength and ferocity. The largest of the cat family, this animal is known as the “king of the beasts.” Lions are equally feared and  More »

The lion is a symbol of strength and ferocity. The largest of the cat family, this animal is known as the “king of the beasts.” Lions are equally feared and respected for their power, speed, and intimidating growl. Kings and rulers have long associated themselves with this noble creature, as this small Iron Age bronze lion attest too. Found in Israel, could this be the conquering lion of King David itself? Surely this sculpture is meant to represent the power and vigor of the beast itself, if not a greater ruler or empire. Standing poised on four feet, ready to pounce and attack, the lion bears his fangs. You can almost hear the fearsome snarl. Incised curls along the back represent the furry mane. The potency of this image survives time. Although the culture that created it has disappeared, we can easily understand its purpose and appreciate its inherent beauty. The lion, king of the beasts, is to be equally respected and feared; any King or Kingdom should aspire to the same. - (FZ.389)   « Less

Origin: Egypt Circa: 664 BC to 30 BC Dimensions: 1" (2.5cm) high x .5" (1.3cm) wide Collection: Egyptian Antiquities Style: Late Dynastic/Ptolemaic Period Medium:  More »

Origin: Egypt Circa: 664 BC to 30 BC Dimensions: 1" (2.5cm) high x .5" (1.3cm) wide Collection: Egyptian Antiquities Style: Late Dynastic/Ptolemaic Period Medium: Faience The first examples of amulets appeared in Ancient Egypt as early as 4000 B.C. Believed to possess magical powers that protected the wearer or bestowed upon the properties they symbolized, amulets were worn both by the living as well as the dead. Throughout their evolution, talismans were crafted from a variety of materials including precious metals such as gold and silver, semiprecious stone like jasper and carnelian, as well as other more affordable glazed compositions such as faience. The particular powers of an individual amulet were based upon its specific shape, although the material and even the color of the charm could affect its magical abilities. While many of the amulets created to be worn by the living could also be worn after death, there also existed a specific group of charms that were made specifically to be placed upon the mummified remains of the deceased. All together, amulets represent an important class of Ancient Egyptian art that furthers our understanding of their complex religious beliefs. The grinning dwarf god Bes was one of the most popular deities in the Egyptian pantheon, one whose worship was absorbed almost intact into Hellenistic culture. He was a popular subject for amulets, and part of his appeal appears to have been the perception that he was more accessible and willing to listen to the common man than were the intimidating national gods such as Amun, Osiris, or Horus. In addition to being a patron god of music and art, Bes was believed to protect mankind from all evil and malevolence and thus is a fitting subject for amulets. He was also held to be a protector of pregnant women, amusing them during childbirth so that they forget the pain. Bes is usually depicted as a dwarf with a face that is both leonine and human. - (CK.0237)   « Less

This ancient votive seal was discovered with a cache of similar artifacts along the shores of Lake Van. Evoking the dawn of Western culture, these apparently were offerings  More »

This ancient votive seal was discovered with a cache of similar artifacts along the shores of Lake Van. Evoking the dawn of Western culture, these apparently were offerings at the shrine of some powerful god. This unknown deity appears to have been associated with fertility and rebirth The design that adorns the oftood in proxy for more costly sacrifices .Pressed into soft clay or wax, they would have created multiple images to win the favor of the god. Carved with an abstract simplicity but an observant eye toward nature, the stark visual appeal of this piece is timeless These seals represent dreams ,hopes and aspirations for health, success, and happiness that are as old as civilization itself. v-(D.0124) Engraved Votive Seal with an Intaglio D.0124 Origin: Lake Van,Anatolia Circa: 4000 BC to 3000 BC Dimension1.75(4.4cm) high x 1(2.5cm) wide x 75"(1.9cm) depth Collection: Near Eastern Style:Neolithic Medium: Dickite   « Less

Origin: Egypt Circa: 664 BC to 30 BC Dimensions: .8" (2.0cm) high x .25" (0.6cm) wide x .375" (1.0cm) depth Collection: Egyptian Antiquities Style: Late  More »

Origin: Egypt Circa: 664 BC to 30 BC Dimensions: .8" (2.0cm) high x .25" (0.6cm) wide x .375" (1.0cm) depth Collection: Egyptian Antiquities Style: Late Dynastic/Ptolemaic Period Medium: Faience The first examples of amulets appeared in Ancient Egypt as early as 4000 B.C. Believed to possess magical powers that protected the wearer or bestowed upon the properties they symbolized, amulets were worn both by the living as well as the dead. Throughout their evolution, talismans were crafted from a variety of materials including precious metals such as gold and silver, semiprecious stone like jasper and carnelian, as well as other more affordable glazed compositions such as faience. The particular powers of an individual amulet were based upon its specific shape, although the material and even the color of the charm could affect its magical abilities. While many of the amulets created to be worn by the living could also be worn after death, there also existed a specific group of charms that were made specifically to be placed upon the mummified remains of the deceased. All together, amulets represent an important class of Ancient Egyptian art that furthers our understanding of their complex religious beliefs. The ancient Egyptians conceived of their country as two separate lands, north and south, which became a unified whole at the beginning of the dynastic period. This popular conception is probably based on the actual Predynastic division of the land into separate kingdoms. The pharaoh was believed to have special religious and political significance as the unifying force, which held the state together. This aspect of his role is frequently represented by the titular identification of the pharaoh as "ruler of the two lands". The pharaoh is sometimes depicted being ritually anointed by Nekhbet and Buto the goddesses of upper and Lower Egypt, respectively. Equally important in emphasizing the pharaoh’s role in unification were the crowns that he wore. The tall, conical, white crown was symbolic of Upper Egypt and the flat red crown symbolized Lower Egypt. The king was shown with either or wearing the double crown, which is the red crown surmounted by the white crown. This elegant faience amulet represents the white crown of upper (southern) Egypt, which was protected by the vulture goddess Nekhbet and the god Set. According to tradition, it was the king of Upper Egypt who emerged victorious from the legendary battle between north and south. Perhaps this amulet commemorates that ancient victory and is reflective of the pre- eminence of Thebes. - (CK.0238)   « Less

This ancient votive seal was discovered with a cache of similar artifacts along the shores of Lake Van.Evoking the dawn of Western culture, these apparently were offerings  More »

This ancient votive seal was discovered with a cache of similar artifacts along the shores of Lake Van.Evoking the dawn of Western culture, these apparently were offerings at the shrine of some powerful god. This unknown deity appears to have been associated with fertility and rebirth The design that adorns the of stood in proxy for more costly sacrifices.Pressed into soft clay or wax, they would have created multiple images to win the favor of the god. Carved with an abstract simplicity but an observant eye toward nature, the stark visual appeal of this piece is timeless These seals represent dreams, hopes and aspirations for health, success, and happiness that are as ld as civilization itself.v-(D.0125)Engraved Votive Seal with an Intaglio D.0125 Origin:Lake Van, Anatolia Circa:4000BC to 3000BC Dimension1.75(4.4cm) high x 1(2.5cm) wide x 75"(1.9cm) depth Collection:Near Eastern Style:Neolithic Medium: Dickite   « Less