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THBBenin Brass Altar Tableau - Oba, Leopards & Attendants
Lot 171
About Seller
Artemis Fine Arts
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
Categories
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$1,500 - $2,500
Starting Bid
$700
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Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Fine Arts
Mar 20, 2025
Set Reminder
2025-03-20 10:00:00
2025-03-20 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Finds | Ancient, Ethno, Fine Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-finds-ancient-ethno-fine-art-18151
Explore a world of classical antiquities and ethnographic masterpieces, with treasures from every corner of the globe. Discover Egyptian relics, Greek and Roman artifacts, Etruscan elegance, Near Eastern wonders, and Asian heritage. Marvel at Pre-Columbian marvels, Native American artistry, African tribal expressions, and Oceanic cultural gems. Spanish Colonial legacies, Russian craftsmanship, and a spectrum of fine and visual arts await, offering a captivating journey through history and artistry, connecting cultures across time. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisgallery.com
Explore a world of classical antiquities and ethnographic masterpieces, with treasures from every corner of the globe. Discover Egyptian relics, Greek and Roman artifacts, Etruscan elegance, Near Eastern wonders, and Asian heritage. Marvel at Pre-Columbian marvels, Native American artistry, African tribal expressions, and Oceanic cultural gems. Spanish Colonial legacies, Russian craftsmanship, and a spectrum of fine and visual arts await, offering a captivating journey through history and artistry, connecting cultures across time. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (266)
- Lot Description
West Africa, Nigeria, Edo, Court of Benin, ca. 18th to early 19th century CE. A remarkable brass altar statue or tableau set on a hollow square pedestal base, with blacksmithing tools placed against the front. The Oba (king), depicted in a larger scale due to his divine nature, is flanked by a pair of leopards, symbols of strength and royalty. Behind the Oba, a warrior and an attendant with bells - signifying the king's presence - stand on either side, smaller in size to emphasize the Oba's supreme status. Royal ancestral shrines feature altar tableaus specifically designed to honor the ruler. Typically positioned on top of round clay altars, these rectangular cast brass tableaus depict the royal figure at the center, surrounded by attendants and court officials. The ruler is distinguished from the courtiers by royal ceremonial attire and symbolic elements, such as the leopards, which signify their elevated status. Size: 10" L x 10" W x 12" H (25.4 cm x 25.4 cm x 30.5 cm); 13" H (33 cm) on included custom stand.
Leopards were the dominant apex predators in West Africa and were closely associated with royalty until the 19th century, when lions were reintroduced during the colonial period. Lions, with their open savannah hunting style, gradually surpassed leopards in popularity. Unlike the stealthy, ambush-hunting leopards of the forest, lions were seen as bold and courageous hunters, symbolizing strength and leadership. As a result, lions replaced leopards as symbols of royalty.
Provenance: private St. Petersburg, Florida, USA collection, ex M Contemporary Gallery 906 Royal Street New Orleans, LA 70116
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#192223Heavy patina and oxidation throughout and weathering to metal. Perforations and losses to the metal along the base edge, figure's heads, and lower oba skirt. Missing ear on a leopard, and stable fissure on other leopard's tail. Softening to some finer details, but motifs are clear. Mounted on a removable wood base.Condition
- Shipping Info
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All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.
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