Ali & Hichaam Aboutaam

Contemporary and ancient Syrian Art are quite different.  With modern Syrian art it was the Syrian government that controlled the local arts scene but in recent times that has been changing since the country’s economy has become more open and less government-controlled.  In addition, the Westerners have been seeking something different and are thus spending more money on Middle Eastern Art.  This has led to the opening of various modern art galleries in Damascus which work with international collectors and what this has meant is that “the average price of a medium-sized work has appreciated 400 percent.”  For ancient Syrian art lovers however, one can purchase a Syrian Pilgrim terracotta Flask with a round and bellied body that has two handles from Phoenix Ancient Art.  It comprises five parts that were made separately and then put together.  It can be purchased for $5,000.

Art is more than just aesthetically pleasing for the viewer; it can give one details about the culture and ideology of a place too.  This is especially the case with Islamic art and the world of Islam.  One can use Islamic art to see how Muslims view the world and their relationship to it.  Since Muslims are not allowed to engage in any form of idol-worship, Islamic art has to reflect that sensitivity and thus any depictions of animals or humans that might lead to such worship are forbidden.  Hence the art is centered more around floral, calligraphic, arabesque and geometric forms.  Today, on sale at e-Tiquities is a pair of Islamic gold bracelets, each of which has two twisted wires; a thick and smooth one and a thin and granulated ornamented one.  Both bracelets (which actually form a pair) have turquoise tiles in a heart shape and are identical.  They were probably worn by someone who was quite affluent given the fine materials and great craftsmanship used.

One of the many distinct antiques available with Hicham Aboutaam and Ali Aboutaam at Phoenix Ancient Art is this Bronze Figure of Serapis seated on a Throne.  This third century bronze sculpture would be most identifiable as the Greco-Egyptian god Serapis, whose cult was introduced by Ptolemy I Soter.

Serapis was quite popular during the Hellenistic period with a large temple located in Alexandria and another famous one in Memphis.  His successful cult spread throughout the Mediterranean basin.  This small bronze, and the many other similar figures, is thought to correspond to the cult statue that is housed in the Alexandria temple. This statue was commissioned by Ptolemy II to the sculptor Bryaxis the Younger.

Antiquities are not simply old pieces of art. They carry a message about a culture’s heritage and history which is the legacy and gift of that culture to its heirs and to the rest of the world. Because of the special place ancient objects have in a nation’s culture, the rules regarding trade and ownership of these artifacts have a special significance.
Recently there has been a movement to improve the laws that exist and perhaps create new laws that protect the objects and the nation’s that birthed them so that rightful possession and ownership can be sought after and maintained.

Antiquities dealers are affected by these changes. “If dealers ignore the changing standards in the antiquities trade,” says Hicham Aboutaam, co-owner, with his brother, Ali, of Phoenix Ancient Art of New York and Geneva, “it will be at their peril.”

In addition dealers often take the “buyers beware” approach to selling antiquities. “We research pieces as much as we can,” says Aboutaam, “and if we fail to find a provenance, we put everything on the table and let the buyer decide.”

Some of the gems on sale by Phoenix Ancient Art – owned by Ali Aboutaam and his brother Hicham – come from the Etruscan and Villanovan period, developed in central Italy.  Any gems found during this time are quite precious today since very few pieces remain, especially from the Villanovan period.  This might suggest that the society lived quite modest lives since very few luxurious items remain but actually the jewelry that does remain would counter this claim.
The Aboutaam’s and Villanovian Figures

Typical from the Villanovian Era, is a Villanovian bronze figurine, on sale through e-Tiquities, Phoenix Ancient Art’s online site.  This figure is a man standing naked except for a small cap.  His facial features are quite distinct:  straight nose, slightly bulging eyes; ears coming out from the cap.  The Villanovians were known for creating many bronze figures very much like this one.

If you love to wander about art galleries then you should consider participating in this year’s upcoming third annual Madison Avenue Gallery Walk.  This event, which will be taking place on Saturday, May 15, 2010, is a benefit for The Fund for Public Schools, which will use the monies raised to promote and support art education in the New York City public school system.

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.  Spanning the approximately one mile from East 57th Street to East 83rd Street, the Madison Avenue Gallery Walk will feature docent led tours of the galleries which will have speakers and programed discussions open to the public. Tours will take place every hour beginning at 11am, with the last tour scheduled to begin at 4pm.

There will also be a scavenger hunt in which families can compete in a fun way for 2 for the price of one discount tickets to the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Ali and Hicham Aboutaam, the brothers that preside over the Phoenix Ancient Art Gallery, are looking forward to a great day and hope to see you there.

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 antiques. And this, of course, raises the value of each antique and the interest in this field.

These tighter rules and lower supplies have made people more excited about antiques.  Recently, a bronze head of Ptolemy of Mauretania from around 520 A.D. was sold at Sotheby’s.  Estimated to be worth up to $500,000, it sold for $960,000!

This excitement is certainly good news for antiquities galleries such as Phoenix Ancient Art, owned by Ali Aboutaam and Hicham Aboutaam.  They understand that antiquities don’t grab headlines the way that other art does – but that antiques are a great opportunity and a great investment.

If you’re looking for an outstanding show piece, or a terrific investment, Hellenistic antiques are a great choice.  Phoenix Ancient Art offers a large selection of breathtaking Hellenistic antiques.  What exactly is the Hellenistic period?  This is the period of time when Greek art was produced under the rule of Alexander the Greet and his successors. It spanned from the 3rd to the 1st centuries B.C.

During this time period, the Greek empire was all ruled by Alexander the Great, and was a time of great prosperity and opportunity. The antiques from this period include sculptures in marble and bronze, beautiful paintings, and breathtaking mosaics.

Last week saw the exciting Brussels Antiques and Fine Arts Fair finish up in Brussels.  Phoenix Ancient Art owners Ali Aboutaam and Hicham Aboutaam were part of the 130 vendors who were invited to be part of this 55th year of the fair.  Since 1955, Belgium has hosted this fair, said to be the only one of its kind in the world.  They estimated that 36,000 visitors from Belgium and around the world would come to see the vast selection of available antiques.

Antique choices included everything from silver, antique jewelery, furniture and works of art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, ceramics, drawings, engravings and more. The fair took place at the Tour & Taxis site in the heart of Brussels, creating a location that is easy to get to and that can house all of the items.  A guided tour was available every day at 3 pm.

What’s old is always in style.  At least that’s what people who love antiques say.  There are many great ways to decorate with antiques and to take the home décor to a whole new level of style with only a few key items.

When you start to search for antiques, you should first become familiar with the variety of choices at a location like Phoenix Ancient Art.  Antique dealers Hicham Aboutaam and Ali Aboutaam offer a great deal of information on their various sites, as do many other dealers.

One tip when starting to decorate with antiques is to group together like objects.  Stick to one time period, purchasing Mesopotanian statues to feature in one room, or Byzantine coins to display together.