In the early flowering of the Byzantine Empire, this charming vessel may have contained fragrant oils or perfumes. It was perhaps offered as a votive at one of the numerous  More »

In the early flowering of the Byzantine Empire, this charming vessel may have contained fragrant oils or perfumes. It was perhaps offered as a votive at one of the numerous Christian shrines in the Holy Land. As we hold it in our hands today, admiring its simple beauty, we are aware of the touch of other hands long ago. Who might have held it when it was new? Were the dreams and emotions that guided their lives so very different from our own? The vessel's graceful unadorned shape appeals as much to the contemporary eye as it did to the culture that created it. Such artifacts, ordinary enough in their own age, connect us in an intimate way with the world of the past. In its presence, we cross the bridge of time and set the imagination on a journey of discovery. - (PF.1543)   « Less

Origin: Israel Circa: 100 AD to 300 AD Dimensions: 3.3" (8.4cm) high x 2" (5.1cm) wide Collection: Classical Medium: Bronze

Origin: Israel Circa: 100 AD to 300 AD Dimensions: 3.3" (8.4cm) high x 2" (5.1cm) wide Collection: Classical Medium: Bronze   « Less

The iconography of this unusual ring seems to derive from an ancient tradition in the Near East. It shows two stylized figures standing on either side of a tree, one  More »

The iconography of this unusual ring seems to derive from an ancient tradition in the Near East. It shows two stylized figures standing on either side of a tree, one apparently a bearded man and the other a woman. Such an image might represent two lovers, like the mythical Pyramus and Thisbe meeting in a grove, or Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Perhaps the ring was a token of affection or even betrothal long ago. Its exact meaning, like the identity of its ancient owner, remains a mystery. Yet, as we slip the ring onto our finger today, we communicate directly with the world of the past, with that vanished individual. - (Z.0547)   « Less

Origin: Mediterranean Circa: 100 AD to 300 AD Dimensions: 10.9" (27.7cm) high x 8.2" (20.8cm) wide Collection: Classical Style: Roman Medium: Bronze

Origin: Mediterranean Circa: 100 AD to 300 AD Dimensions: 10.9" (27.7cm) high x 8.2" (20.8cm) wide Collection: Classical Style: Roman Medium: Bronze   « Less

Origin: Israel Circa: 300 BC to 100 AD Dimensions: 11" (27.9cm) high x 5.25" (13.3cm) wide Collection: Classical antiquities Style: Judaica Medium: Bronze

Origin: Israel Circa: 300 BC to 100 AD Dimensions: 11" (27.9cm) high x 5.25" (13.3cm) wide Collection: Classical antiquities Style: Judaica Medium: Bronze   « Less

The elaborate costume that adorns this votive figure is perhaps that of a priestess or a pilgrim, for it strongly resembles similar robes found in religious art of the Syrian  More »

The elaborate costume that adorns this votive figure is perhaps that of a priestess or a pilgrim, for it strongly resembles similar robes found in religious art of the Syrian east. She wears a tall, conical hat with a veil flowing behind, which may have ritual significance. But it is the woman's hands--palms outstretched--that most rivet our attention, as they were meant to capture that of the gods. She beseeches a perpetual favor on behalf of the person who offered her to unknown deities centuries ago. We can only wonder if that wish was granted. - (FZ.050)   « Less

Fatimid Loose Gold Bead with Applied Filigree Decoration - OS.383, Origin: Found in Jericho, Circa: 1100 AD to 1200 AD, Collection: Jewelry, Style: Fatimid, Medium: Gold. At  More »

Fatimid Loose Gold Bead with Applied Filigree Decoration - OS.383, Origin: Found in Jericho, Circa: 1100 AD to 1200 AD, Collection: Jewelry, Style: Fatimid, Medium: Gold. At the height of their power, the Fatimid Caliphate ruled much of the Islamic world, including North Africa, the Hejaz, and the Eastern Mediterranean, from their capital in Cairo. However, their roots can be traced to the shores of Ifriqiya in modern day Tunisia and eastern Algeria where in 909 A.D. an imam from the Ismaili sect of the Shia branch of Islam declared himself caliph and adopted the name of al-Mahdi (the Divinely Guided One). Directly opposing the power of the Sunni Abbasids, the Fatimids legitimized their claim to authority by tracing their descent to Muhammad by way of his daughter Fatima (hence the name Fatimid) and her husband Ali, the first Shia imam. Soon after their founding, the Fatimids began to expand outwards, swiftly bringing all of the Maghreb under their dominion. Thereafter, the Fatimids set their sights to the East where the Abbasids centers of power lay.   « Less

Islamic Manuscript - PF.6324, Origin: Egypt, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 AD.

Islamic Manuscript - PF.6324, Origin: Egypt, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 AD.   « Less

Islamic Manuscript - PF.6325, Origin: Egypt, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 AD, Collection: Islamic Art, Medium: Papyrus.

Islamic Manuscript - PF.6325, Origin: Egypt, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 AD, Collection: Islamic Art, Medium: Papyrus.   « Less

Islamic Manuscript - PF.6326, Origin: Egypt, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 AD, Collection: Islamic Art, Medium: Papyrus..

Islamic Manuscript - PF.6326, Origin: Egypt, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 AD, Collection: Islamic Art, Medium: Papyrus..   « Less