The buzz was felt by all at the recent International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show at the Park Avenue Armory in October. Apter-Fredericks of London, which sells 18th-century English furniture, had a fantastic opening night. London book dealer Bernard Shapero sold a large “Ricci map” which is one of seven copes of the map fo the world that was made by Italian Jesuit priest Matteo Ricci in 1602.
Certainly, Phoenix Ancient Art, with Ali Aboutaam and Hicham Aboutaam, was there, showing their exceptional antiques. At the opening, the Aboutaam gallery sold a Greek oinochoe-shaped head vase that dated from the 5th century B.C. It went for $300,000. They also sold a large fragment of a basalt turtle from Egypt or Mesopotamia from around 3000 B.C.
Another antiques dealer, James Ede, sold 13 pieces on the opening night and had three more on reserves. A great success for everyone!
Here is an example of the beautiful antiquities from Egypt available from Phoenix Ancient Art. The scarab is an example of the most popular type of amulet worn in ancient Egypt. This scarab, dating from the 1600 BC to the 1200 BC has a carved exterior that is made to look like a scarab beetle. The scarab beetle was a symbol of rebirth in ancient Egypt and was also representative of Ra, the Egyptian sun god.
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.
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.
Pheonix Ancient Art, under the proprietorship of Ali and Hicham Aboutaam has a wide variety of ancient works of art, some depicting themes which are more common or that we are used to from modern artistic styles. One of the more unusual or less understood themes in ancient art is that of the “grotesque.”
Ali Aboutaam and his brother Hicham are happy to present to the public on behalf of Phoenix Ancient Art amazing objects of beauty from the ancient world. Among the many pieces is an idol made from marble originating from the Anatolian world.