Ali Aboutaam

Also from the Byzantine period is a silver lamp made from a sheet done in the open work technique of silver engraving. There are three small chains which end at a central hook attached to the lamps upper edge. A clear glass cup was placed inside the silver lamp, which was filled with oil to create light. (Unfortunately the glass cup is lost.) Because the silver is an open work type, light was able to filter through the lamp and was gently diffused onto the surrounding area, while the solid silver parts reflected the light onto the ceiling, creating maximum light by utilizing the reflective properties of the metal.

Most likely the lamp hung above an altar.

The Aboutaams of Phoenix Ancient Art describe this lamp as the finest of a known group of similar lamps, all dating to between the 10th and 12th centuries. A lamp of similar shape is still in use today at the Armenian Church in Jerusalem.

The Aboutaam brothers Ali and Hicham of Phoenix Ancient Art offer a beautiful marriage ring under the category of “jewels and gemstones.” This object is a fascinating solid gold ring from the Byzantine epic. Amazing detail sets this ring off as an exquisite example of the survival of a pagan Roman custom into the context of the recently developed Christian religion.

Depicting the busts of a bride and groom bisected by a cross, a bust of Christ hovers above them with the inscription “BEOY OMONOIA” which is Greek for “concord in God”  placed above and below. The groom’s figure is engraved with an oval-shaped brooch clasping his flounced cloak closed. The bride is adorned with pearl earrings and a matching pearl collar around her neck.

Roman marriage contracts were customarily signed in front of the Emperor’s image, but the Byzantines chritianized this practice by switching the head of Christ for that of the Emperor, as seen is the coin which is approximately 1,500 years old.

Park Avenue Armory

Participating for the third consecutive year, Phoenix Ancient Art is anticipating the most successful representation in the 2009 International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show. This fair featuring more than 60 high-end art dealerships is being organized by impresarios Brian and Anna Haughton of England. Among the huge variety of artworks and objects of interest will be Egyptian sculptures, African masks, Islamic artworks, jewelry, silver, rugs, clocks, paintings old and new, and other genres strange, rare and wonderful.

Ali and Hicham Aboutaam will be anchoring their booth at position E2 at the Park Avenue Armory, with a larger than life sculpture, carved in green basalt, of a muscular man’s torso, from the Roman period.

Phoenix will be featuring many more representatives from their wide ranging collection. For convenience and interest’s sake the Aboutaams will be publishing a catalog of their objects available at the fair. The catalogue will be available at the opening of the show.

The show will take place from October 16th until the 22nd. The Aboutaams urge you to come on down and be swept away by the incredible variety and beauty of artwork from the ancient world.