Tag Archives: Aboutaam

‘SCARFACE’ BUST ONCE OWNED BY PHOENIX ANCIENT ART TRIPLES ESTIMATE AT SOTHEBY’S

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.

CYCLADIC FIGURE BRINGS RECORD PRICE AT CHRISTIE’S

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.

Aboutaam at the Palm Beach Antiques Fair

Each year, Palm Beach hosts a fantastic antiques fair, showing antiques from more than  90 dealers.  Called the Palm Beach/America’s Fine Art & Antique Fair, this fair attracts the best antique dealers from around the world who  display their possessions. The 2007 fair, with its new director Dr. Michale Mezzatesta, lasted for 11 days with an invitation-only preview.  The opening night saw… (more…)

Antiques Popular for Phoenix Ancient Art & Others

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…)

The Changing Face of Antique Buying

Today, the purchase of antiques has a new face.  As described on CNNMoney.com, antique purchasing has become more mainstream.  This is particularly true in America.  While antiques have always been of interest to the highly wealthy, the antiques world in America is finding more regular Americans participating in  auctions. Last year at Sotheby’s Antiquities sales the auction house was packed –… (more…)

Aboutaam Brothers Preside at Phoenix Ancient Art

Ali and Hicham Aboutaam of Phoenix Ancient Art welcome you to the fascinating and exciting world of art objects with a history.

  • Phoenix Ancient Art