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…)
Prices differ considerably for Contemporary and ancient Syrian Art . The local art scene for contemporary Syrian art has, until recently, been controlled by the Syrian government. Now that has changed as the country’s economy has become more open and less government-controlled. Today, an increasing numberof Westerners seeking something different have been spending more money on Middle Eastern Art. This has… (more…)
This article gives information about Islamic art and culture and what is on sale from Islamic Art through Phoenix Ancient Art.
One of the many antiques available from Hicham and Ali Aboutaam at Phoenix Ancient Art is this thirdpcentury Bronze Figure of Serapis seated on a Throne. 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… (more…)
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.