In recent news in the antiquities world, Christie’s sold a stunning Egyptian Granite Head of an Official, recently handled by Phoenix Ancient Art, for $422,500. This head represents a courtier and dates from the New Kingdom, Late Dynasty XVIII, circa 1400-1390 B.C. The courtier wears a double wig: the upper tier, with the locks engraved in deep linear incisions, covers… (more…)
The market for fine antiquities has never been stronger. For example, a four-inch black chlorite bust of a mythological hero, whose most distinguishing characteristics are a long shell-inlaid scar crossing the right side of his face and another large scar on his left cheek sold at Sotheby’s on 8 December for $1,258,500 against a pre-sale estimate fo $300,000-500,000. The piece was consigned by a collector who bought it from the Aboutaam brothers, co-owners of Phoenix Ancient Art, who bought it at Christie’s in June 2000 for $105,000. The small but powerful piece has been in several private collections and is believed to have been found prior to 1961.
Christie’s Antiquities sale on 9 December was highlighted by an 11 ½ inch Cycladic marble reclining female figure, circa 2400 B.C. The piece of one of twelve known by the “Schuster Master,” so-called for this piece which once belonged to Swiss collector Marion Schuster. This example, which is the only complete work from the artist to survive, has never been up for auction before. It was last on the market in 2006, when the Aboutaam brothers, owners of Phoenix Ancient Art, exhibited it in their booth at the Paris Biennale. The piece was sold shortly after that to a private collector who consigned it to Christie’s for sale on TK December. The idol sold for $16,882,500, against presale expectations of $3-5 million. The price was a new auction record for a Cycladic marble figure, eclipsing the previous auction record of $2.09 million, paid at Sotheby’s for a Cycladic head in December 1988.
Phoenix Ancient t Art, Winged griffin flanking a scared tree, Phoenician, ca. 8th century B.C., ivory, H 10.6 cm [Hicham] Aboutaam notes, “There are people who collect both Classical and Near Eastern art, but not everybody does that. Those who like Near Eastern art in general, feel that it is historically and archeologically superior to Classical art. Those who… (more…)
Rarities on the stand of Phoenix Ancient Art include: Greek, late 8th century B.C. bronze A Geometric Horse H: 11 cm, Base: 7 cm (4.3 x 2.8 in.) The horse dates from the Geometric Period, 10th to 8th century B.C. The era was a time of great cultural advancement: Homer and the rise of epic poetry and the development of… (more…)
This article gives information about Islamic art and culture and what is on sale from Islamic Art through Phoenix Ancient Art.
Antiquities dealers like Hicham and Ali Aboutaam, co-owners of Phoenix Ancient Art believe that dealers must change with the changing standards.
Gems sold by Phoenix Ancient Art span many time periods throughout history including the Villanovian Era. One such piece, currently on sale through the web is the Villanovian bronze figurine, typical of art history during the time.
Included among the 50 participating galleries is Phoenix Ancient Art, whose New York branch, located at 47 East 66th Street, is right smack in the middle of this year’s event.
Historically, antiquities have only been a very small part of the art market. However, they are beginning to attract more attention from collectors and investors. The black market for antiques has been restricted, causing tighter controls on access to antiquities, and this, of course, raises the value of each antique and increases interest in this field. Tighter rules and lower… (more…)