LONDON – Pax Romana, Britain’s premier dealer and auctioneer of fully authenticated and certified antiquities, will host a Sunday, Oct. 27 auction of expertly curated ancient art, wearable jewelry, relics and weaponry. Featured items reflect the artistic and intellectual achievements of some of the world’s greatest civilizations, with a timeline that incorporates Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome as well as Near Eastern, Asian and Viking/Norse cultures. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available worldwide through LiveAuctioneers, and all auction items will convey with a professional certificate of authenticity signed by Pax Romana’s owner/director, Dr. Ivan Bonchev (Ph.D., University of Oxford).
The auction catalog is divided in three main categories: Ancient Wearable Jewelry, Ancient Weaponry and Asian Antiquities.
A selection of wearable jewelry executed in gold, bronze, silver or stone includes rings, pendants, necklaces, amulets and other forms. Successful bidders will have the opportunity to wear the ring of a Crusader warrior, Roman soldier or Egyptian princess, or to channel the adventures of a Viking warrior through his treasured amulet or necklace. With the holiday season just around the corner, this sale presents an outstanding opportunity to acquire a unique and unforgettable gift for a loved one. Pax Romana ships worldwide.
An exceptional ladies’ jewelry choice is Lot 41, a pair of circa 100 A.D. Roman gold earrings with twisted hooks that terminate in rectangular bases (below). Each of the bases supports a wonderfully carved, highly detailed garnet ‘Negroid’ head. The presale estimate is £10,000-£20,000.
Several rings are worthy of special mention. Among them is a rare circa 1550-1077 B.C. (New Kingdom) Egyptian gold ring with inlaid lapis lazuli and carnelian stones that create an image of opposing papyrus plants. Estimate: £8,000-£12,000.
A circa 200 A.D. Roman gold and jasper intaglio ring, is richly visual with its depictions of an eagle, laurel wreath, crowned head of the sun god Salus, and two columns, each supporting a sun, moon and star. It is expected to sell for £2,000-£3,000.
An impressive array of authentic ancient weaponry represents centuries of warfare, with Greek swords, Viking axes and daggers; and Roman and Celtic spears featuring prominently. All items have been cleaned and mounted on custom-made stands.
A rare Greek Hoplite Chalcidian-type helmet made from two plates, with cheek guards and geometric embossing, dates to circa 400 B.C. It is the quintessential example of a type that was used by the army of Alexander the Great. Accompanied by a scientific report researched and written by Dr. Bonchev, it will be offered at auction with a £20,000-£50,000 estimate. Another rare and highly desirable helmet was constructed circa 400-700 A.D., shortly after the fall of the Roman Empire and during the time of Constantine the Great. It features punched-rivet decoration and has well-preserved cheek pieces. The estimate is £10,000-£20,000.
Perhaps the finest selection of Indian and Chinese art ever to be offered at a Pax Romana auction will be available to bidders taking part in the Oct. 27 event. The many rare stone carvings, terra-cotta figurines and bronze vessels poised to cross the auction block are not only historical artifacts but also would make sophisticated additions to one’s home or office décor.
A coveted ancient Chinese bronze gu, or ritual wine vessel, dates to circa 1600-1100 B.C. or later, and displays exquisite craftsmanship, decoration and patina. Measuring 12.2 x 6.69 inches, it is estimated at £8,000-£12,000.
Another delightful Chinese production is a lifelike circa 206 B.C. to 220 A.D. Han Dynasty terra-cotta guardian dog. Mold-made and measuring 15.54 x 14.57 inches, it comes with its original TL test certificate issued by Ralf Kotalla Laboratory. (Note: all terra-cotta items valued at £1,000 or more will convey with a TL certificate from this highly regarded lab). The Han Dynasty dog is estimated at £2,000-£3,000.
A second century A.D. Gandharan carved schist panel of the seated Buddha Shakyamuni in a giant lotus flower, surrounded by worshippers, is carved to a high standard. In an exemplary state of preservation, the 13.98-inch artwork carries a £5,000-£7,000 estimate.
Assessing the 400 lots to be auctioned, Dr. Bonchev observed: “This is an exciting and fascinating sale. I am very pleased with the quality and variety of items throughout. For me, it is a privilege to be able to curate such great artifacts and offer them to our worldwide audience of ancient art enthusiasts.”
All auction items sold by Pax Romana are accompanied by a professional Certificate of Authenticity. The company ships worldwide, and all packing is handled by in-house specialists. View the fully illustrated catalog and bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.com. For questions about any item in the Oct. 27 auction, call Dr. Ivan Bonchev, Director, Pax Romana, London, on +44 7424 994167 or email director@paxromana.auction.
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