The ancient kingdom of Saba ruled over the lands of southern Arabia, centered in modern day Yemen. Saba is perhaps better known as Sheba, the Hebrew word for the kingdom,  More »

The ancient kingdom of Saba ruled over the lands of southern Arabia, centered in modern day Yemen. Saba is perhaps better known as Sheba, the Hebrew word for the kingdom, whose famous Queen was recounted as having visited Solomon in the pages of the Old Testament. Biblical accounts speak of the wealth of this ancient civilization of traders and merchants, and modern archaeological excavations confirm these reports. Ruins of fortresses and walled towns are evident and remnants of their extensive irrigation system that turned the desert into a paradise still cover the land. Although gold and silver deposits were present, the chief source of their vast wealth was derived from their veritable monopoly of two of the most coveted materials in ancient times: frankincense and myrrh, resinous gums obtained from certain trees that only grow in Southern Arabia and were literally worth their weight in gold. There was not a temple or wealthy house in the ancient world, from Babylon to Rome, where one would not smell the fragrant scents of these incenses. In addition, a trade route that connected India to Egypt that passed through their capital of Marib was another major source of wealth. In the 1st Century A.D., the Ptolemaic Greeks discovered a sea route from India directly to the port of Alexandria, eliminating Saba from her lucrative trade and ushering in the decline of Sabean prosperity.   « Less

The ancient kingdom of Saba ruled over the lands of southern Arabia, centered in modern day Yemen. Saba is perhaps better known as Sheba, the Hebrew word for the kingdom,  More »

The ancient kingdom of Saba ruled over the lands of southern Arabia, centered in modern day Yemen. Saba is perhaps better known as Sheba, the Hebrew word for the kingdom, whose famous Queen was recounted as having visited Solomon in the pages of the Old Testament. Biblical accounts speak of the wealth of this ancient civilization of traders and merchants, and modern archaeological excavations confirm these reports. Ruins of fortresses and walled towns are evident and remnants of their extensive irrigation system that turned the desert into a paradise still cover the land. Although gold and silver deposits were present, the chief source of their vast wealth was derived from their veritable monopoly of two of the most coveted materials in ancient times: frankincense and myrrh, resinous gums obtained from certain trees that only grow in Southern Arabia and were literally worth their weight in gold. There was not a temple or wealthy house in the ancient world, from Babylon to Rome, where one would not smell the fragrant scents of these incenses. In addition, a trade route that connected India to Egypt that passed through their capital of Marib was another major source of wealth. Perhaps their greatest accomplishment was the Great Dam of Marib, a monumental construction that brought water from the mountains both to the city and to the crop fields. The dam was in continual use (accounting for timely repairs) until the 6th Century A.D. and its ultimate destruction is detailed in the Koran as the end of the old world and a turning point in history. However, the civilization that created this wonder fell apart long before the damn did. In the 1st Century A.D., the Ptolemaic Greeks discovered a sea route from India directly to the port of Alexandria, eliminating Saba from this lucrative trade and ushering in the decline of Sabean prosperity.   « Less

The production and export of incense was a vital part of the economy of ancient Yemen. Large numbers of incense burners and stands have been excavated which display an  More »

The production and export of incense was a vital part of the economy of ancient Yemen. Large numbers of incense burners and stands have been excavated which display an extraordinary variety of shape and form, reflecting the importance of incense within local society. Metal burners were undoubtedly the most costly but the majority that survive are made of stone or pottery. Local aromatics included frankincense and myrrh and were famous across the Mediterranean and Near Eastern world. In 450 BC, for example, the Greek historian Herodotus remarked, ‘Arabia is the only the place that produces frankincense, myrrh, cassia, cinnamon and the gum called ledanon…the whole country exhales a more than earthly fragrance.’This exceptional bronze sculpture was probably used as a stand to hold an incense burner. The neck is cylindrical with a wide narrow band above a flared base. The circular platform has a ridged exterior from which protrudes a spectacular bull head. The bulging eyes, wide nostrils and short ears are all portrayed with great naturalism. There are rings between the horns and around the upper body, the exact purpose of which is still unclear. A stand of this quality would have been a luxury item, perhaps donated to a temple or interred in a richly furnished tomb. Surviving incense burners are often inscribed and this example is no exception. The text on the neck may refer to the previous owner, record a dedication or even the name of a particular type of incense. This is an extremely rare and fascinating survival.For Sabean incense burners in general see St John Simpson ed., ‘Queen of Sheba: Treasures from Ancient Yemen,’ (British Museum, 2002), pp. 95-98, p. 207. - (SK.055)   « Less

Origin: Yemen Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high x 3.45" (8.8cm) wide Collection: Biblical Style: Sabean Medium: Bronze

Origin: Yemen Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high x 3.45" (8.8cm) wide Collection: Biblical Style: Sabean Medium: Bronze   « 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 old as civilization itself.v- (D.0111) Engraved Votive Seal with an Intaglio D.0111Origin: 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: Arabian Peninsula Circa: 2000 BC to 1200 BC Dimensions: 4.375" (11.1cm) high x 1.5" (3.8cm) wide x .75" (1.9cm) depth Collection: Biblical/Near Eastern Style: South  More »

Origin: Arabian Peninsula Circa: 2000 BC to 1200 BC Dimensions: 4.375" (11.1cm) high x 1.5" (3.8cm) wide x .75" (1.9cm) depth Collection: Biblical/Near Eastern Style: South Arabian Medium: Green Jasper   « 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 towardnature ,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.0111) Engraved Votive Seal with an Intaglio D.0111Origin: 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: Yemen Circa: 30 BC to 130 AD Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high x 3" (7.6cm) wide Collection: Biblical Style: Sabean Medium: Bronze

Origin: Yemen Circa: 30 BC to 130 AD Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high x 3" (7.6cm) wide Collection: Biblical Style: Sabean Medium: Bronze   « Less

Height-63 1/2", Width-58 1/2", Solid mahogany full size acanthus carved bed, with ball and claw feet circa 1920s, the headboard needs to be refinished only.

Height-63 1/2", Width-58 1/2", Solid mahogany full size acanthus carved bed, with ball and claw feet circa 1920s, the headboard needs to be refinished only.   « Less

Although time and fortune have added a great of character to this piece, it is difficult to say for certain what type of animal was depicted, though most probably it was a  More »

Although time and fortune have added a great of character to this piece, it is difficult to say for certain what type of animal was depicted, though most probably it was a sheep, goat or horse. The odd protrusions on the hindquarters and the shape of the neck suggest that this was originally an offering vessel with a spout and handle, perhaps used for anointing sacrificial victims with oil. The passage of the millennia has given it the abstract beauty of modern sculpture. - (FZ.084)   « Less