Ali Aboutaam

Ali Aboutaam, co-owner of Phoenix Ancient Art, is currently selling lots of jewelry and gems from different historical periods.  Currently on sale is a Byzantine gold ornamented disk that has a cruciform Greek monogram, which is filled with niello on the surface.  According to the e-Tiquities website where these gems are sold, chances are this piece of jewelry probably originally formed part of a set which included a necklace, box and valuable dishes.

Byzantine Period and Phoenix Ancient Art

During the Byzantine era, monograms were very popular and used to identify groups.  This one, currently on sale by the Abotaams, has the owner’s name engraved, saying ‘this object belongs to,’ and his title.  The Byzantine Era (also known as Eastern Roman Empire) focused around the capital of Constantinople.

Ali Aboutaam, co-owner of Phoenix Ancient Art, specializes in various different time periods of historic art.  One such era is the Geometric and Orientalizing Greek Era.  This spans the 9th and 8th centuries BC and was produced throughout Greece, especially Athens.  In fact, in Athens during this time, much geometric pottery was being produced.  In fact, since people seemed to desire good quality dishes around 900 BC, potters really focused on what they were making and put much more detail into their pottery than they had done previously.  Vases with geometric and animal designs are typical of the Geometric Era whereas the Orientalizing Era typically depicts near-eastern motifs through metalwork.
Geometric Art Sold Through Phoenix Ancient Art

The Aboutaams currently have five pieces of art from this time period on sale through e-Tiquities as well as a number of catalogues.  These gems are: a Geometric bronze bird stamp seal; 2 Geometric bronze bulls; a Geometric bronze pendant Pyxis; and a Geometric bronze spherical pendant. This last piece – the pendant – sells for $1,600 and comprises three parts: vertical incisions in the middle; triangle incisions both at the top and bottom; upper stem pierced and curved.

Ali Aboutaam, co-owner of Phoenix Ancient Art, lives in Switzerland. He is about to put on an exhibition, (with his brother Hicham), of the company’s art entitled “Horse in Antiquity.” The exhibition will run for two months from April 30 to June 30. The exhibition will take place at Geneva’s gallery. The company also had an exhibition in Brussels in January at the Antiques and Fine Arts Fair.

Art Exhibitions and Phoenix Ancient Art

Art exhibitions are a great way of promoting art. Thankfully for a successful company such as Phoenix Ancient Art, this is not so necessary. The company has an online site, e-Tiquities which sells many antique art objects. But art exhibitions will usually focus on a specific period in time.

Madison Avenue is set to hold their third annual Gallery Walk, on May 15, 2010.  Phoenix Ancient Art will be participating in this event along with over 50 other art galleries.  It is set to be quite a prestigious affair for all those serious about art.  Faculty members from the New York City public school will lead groups on free tours of galleries on Madison Avenue.  Partners and sponsors of the event include: HSBC Bank; the Fund for Public Schools; New York Magazine, hosted by Madison Avenue.
Phoenix Ancient Art Working Toward Fund Raising

As well as being a highly successful company, by taking part in the above event, Phoenix Ancient Art will be helping arts education in the city of New York’s public schools. The event is seeking to raise monies for the Fund for Public Schools.  Events at the fundraiser include:  scavenger hunt; meeting those who work in art such as artist Winfred Rembert (who is currently exhibiting ‘Memories of my Youth’), curator Chris Santa Maria and art owner Larry Matlick.  There will be special talks and viewings as well as opportunities to meet interesting and well-rounded artists, owners and curators discussing exhibitions in particular and their work in general.