HOW much would you expect to pay for an object that dates back more than 2,500 YEARS?
Well, Somerset auctioneers Lawrences in Crewkerne are discovering that ancient art is finding new appeal at auction - and have some spectacular artifacts lined up for an upcoming auction.
Meanwhile, at the firm's recent summer auction, a Persian tinned copper bowl, probably from the time of the Safavid dynasty (1501-1736), tripled expectations to make £1,060 (image 1368); and an Egyptian wooden and painted ushabti figure (guardian worker in the afterlife), dating from the 2nd millennium BC, exceeded hopes to make £1,750 (image 1824).
SOLD: A Persian tinned copper bowl, for more than £1,000
“Antiquities is a broad and academically complex field,” explained Lawrences’ director, Neil Grenyer.
“So we are fortunate to have the resources and experience of skilled consultants in this discipline.
"The appeal of these artefacts is apparent as soon as one holds a piece of ancient art in the hand.
"They have a history that spans centuries, even millennia, and they speak of long lost historic civilizations where such pieces were treasured or even venerated by their owners.
"Understandably, it is rare to find pieces in good condition but slight damages can instil even more strongly a sense of their great age.
"With the current fondness for less cluttered interiors, a simple piece of art from antiquity can be a fascinating focal point in a room and will complement surprisingly well the vogue for modern simplicity of design.”
SOLD: An Egyptian wooden, painted figure, for £1,750
The auctioneers have a number of interesting lots destined for their forthcoming autumn auctions.
A slender Egyptian alabaster cosmetic jar with raised ridge below the rim, from the Middle Kingdom (early 2nd Millennium BC) stands 8cm high and is estimated at £200-300 (image 8968).
A fragmented Mesopotamian foundation cone, with the cone head and a small part of the text remaining, just 9cm high, is guided at £200-300 (image 8966).
A Mesopotamian baked clay cuneiform tablet, from the late 3rd Millennium BC, with clear wedge-shaped cuneiform text on both sides and a complete end, about the size of a small paperback book is expected to make £300-400 (image 8967).
Lastly, an Egyptian polychrome painted wood sarcophagus mask from the lid of an anthropoid coffin - painted in ochre over gesso, with yellow for the skin tones, black for the eye and brow detailing and white for the sclerae - has the preserved portions of the broad wig painted in black and some of the original dowels remain.
“It is an arresting moment when one is confronted by a face from over 2,500 years ago,” Neil added.
“Antiquities like this have an intriguing immediacy that transcends history. They bring ancient cultures back to life.”
This is from the late Dynastic Period, after 600 BC, and the auctioneers are hoping for £400-600 (image 8965).
Entries are invited until early September.
Contact Neil Grenyer for advice on 01460 73041 or email neil.grenyer@lawrences.co.uk.
UP FOR AUCTION: A Egyptian wood sarcophagus mask from the lid of a coffin, with an estimate of £400 - £600
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