Northern Greece, Thrace, ca. 9th to 7th century BCE. This is a sizable and intact bronze spectacle or double spiral fibula formed by a single elongated thick wire, that was meticulously twisted in a rotational fashion to create this iconic pattern. The terminal tips of the wire are in the very center of each spiral and the wire's midpoint joins the two spirals and forms an eternity or lemniscate shape. Over the ages a gorgeous green patina has formed on the surface of this piece. Fibulae were used for pinning cloaks and clothing at the shoulder. Ornate ones, such as this, adorned the wealthy and elite and were often buried with their owners to accompany them in the afterlife. The terminal tips slightly protrude from the centers and may have once formed a pin and clasp to use this massive piece as a fibula. Size: 8.125" L x 4" W (20.6 cm x 10.2 cm)
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#149975
Condition
Intact and very good. Surface is cleaned and has a green patina.