Apollo Galleries
25 Bury Place, Bloomsbury, London WC1A 2JH
742-499-4167
About Auction House
Founded by Dr. Ivan Bonchev in 2010, Apollo encompasses all aspects of collecting and appreciating ancient art, antiquities and coins. Our specialities include: Ancient Roman, Greek, Asian, Egyptian, Medieval, Viking and Neolithic.Auction Previews & News
9 Results
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseUK’s Apollo Art Auctions to offer connoisseur’s selection of antiquities, Islamic art and militaria, June 10-11
Event will break new ground with the introduction of post-16th-century productions to Apollo’s long-established ancient arms and armor category LONDON – Apollo Art Auctions, the premier choice for authentic, expertly vetted ancient art and antiquities, takes pleasure in announcing highlights of its June 10-11 gallery auction, with all forms of remote bidding available, including live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers. In addition to exquisite, professionally vetted cultural art, artifacts and jewelry, the 702-lot auction will broaden the buying horizons for collectors of ancient arms and armor with the inclusion of a fine selection of post-16th-century weaponry. Timurid silver-inlaid bronze plate, circa early 14th century AD, the recess (or well) adorned with the image of a seated figure flanked by birds, and encircled by a decorative band depicting various animals in motion. Size: 220mm x 20mm (8.7in x 0.79in). Weight: 355g (12.52oz). Provenance: Collection of a London gentleman; formerly in the collection of A Kotlar since the 1970s. Estimate: £12,000-£24,000 ($14,810-$25,620) “We have always included fine examples of ancient militaria in our auctions. That stands to reason, because history’s turning points are largely associated with wars and conflicts. But over the past year we’ve noted an increased interest in militaria and felt it was time to expand the category to incorporate post-16th-century weaponry,” said Dr Ivan Bonchev (PhD, University of Oxford). In launching the new initiative, the June 10 session has been enhanced to include a broader selection of arms and armaments, perhaps none more distinctive than a Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth Saxony lobster-tail hussar’s helmet with wings. Created around the 17th-18th century AD during the reign of August II the Strong, its design consists of a round skull with six vertical ridges, a horizontal visor with an attached narrow face guard, and the pièce de résistance: a pair of riveted, “fanned” wings adorned with openwork heart shapes. An astonishing survivor, this helmet was previously held in consecutive European collections and now comes to auction with an estimate of £4,500-£9,000 ($5,555-$11,110). The time-tested skill and artistry of Viking metalsmiths can be seen in a pair of rare circa-9th-century AD hand-forged silver stirrups. The…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseApollo Art Auctions to host April 22-23 sale of expertly curated ancient art, antiquities & coins
Featured: Roman legionary bronze helmet with ‘Jupiter’s Thunderbolt’ wings; Egyptian dagger with elaborate handle, Byzantine marble reliquary, wearable ancient jewelry, fine pottery LONDON – Apollo Art Auctions, Europe’s most trusted source for expertly authenticated ancient artifacts, takes pleasure in announcing highlights of their April 22-23 sale of ancient art, antiquities and coins. More than 800 museum-worthy lots will be offered, representing the finest relics, wearable jewelry and weaponry available for private ownership. The selection traverses many historical periods, embracing the unique cultures of Classical Europe, Egypt, the Near East, India and China. As always, an abundance of Islamic treasures has been included, as well as medieval and Viking jewelry, swords and knives. Each and every artwork or object has been personally curated by Apollo Art Auctions’ experts under the supervision of gallery director Dr Ivan Bonchev, PhD, University of Oxford. Roman legionary bronze helmet with wings of Jupiter’s Thunderbolt (a motif symbolizing power), hinged C-shape cutouts for ears, flared neck guard, circa 100 BC-100 AD. Weight: 905g (2lbs). Provenance: European private collection; formerly in F. Breydel collection, Belgium, 1970s. Estimate £12,000-£24,000 ($15,032-$30,064) The diverse array of highlights begins with an extremely rare weapon from Egypt’s New Kingdom and 18th Dynasty, a fearsome circa 1550-1292 BC bronze dagger. Measuring 16.5 inches long, its distinctive design features a tapering pointed blade and a separately cast, riveted hilt. The hilt itself has an arched guard that tapers along the sides of the blade, while the openwork pommel flares to secure the oval openwork bone terminal. This incredible weapon is similar to an example in the collection of The Brooklyn Museum and comes to auction with an estimate of £12,000-£24,000 ($15,032-$30,064). Apollo Art Auctions has had the privilege of handling many magnificent helmets in the past, and this month’s auction adds yet another extraordinary example to the list. Lot 417, a circa 100 BC-100 AD Roman legionary bronze helmet must be seen to be fully appreciated. It easily qualifies as a work of art, with its rich verdigris finish and unusual design that includes wings of “Jupiter’s thunderbolt,” a flared neck guard and hinged…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseLondon’s Apollo Art Auctions to host March 12 and 15 sales of expertly curated ancient and cultural art, antiquities, coins and Islamic art
Highlights: Large Roman bronze Cupid, gold-handled Greek iron sword, Ancient Qurans, 18th C. book compilation featuring the works of 12th C. poet Jamal Al-Din Abu Muhammad Nizami LONDON – As any collector of fine objects would attest, you can never have too much of a good thing. London’s premier source for exquisite ancient and cultural art, Apollo Art Auctions, agrees with that sentiment, which is why they’ve organized two separate and distinct sales in mid-March to accommodate an abundance of recently consigned treasures. Islamic gold ring with orange carnelian intaglio and turquoise inlays, Middle East, circa 1100-1500 AD. Engraved with rearing animal on underside of box bezel. Intact, beautiful example. XRF fluorescence analysis confirms metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and no modern trace elements. Weight: 14.38g. Estimate £2,000-£4,000 ($2,405-$4,810) The first sale, on March 12, is a 553-lot offering titled Ancient Art, Antiquities & Coins. Following closely on March 15 is a magnificent 339-lot selection of Islamic Art. Both sessions feature authentic antiquities, relics and artworks that have been personally curated by Apollo Art Auctions’ experts under the supervision of gallery director Dr Ivan Bonchev, PhD, University of Oxford. The opening session encompasses a broad range of art and artifacts from Classical Europe, Egypt and the Near East, India and China. The catalogue is divided into sections specifically devoted to Classical and Egyptian antiquities; coins, medieval works of art, and Asian works of art. Auction highlights will step into the spotlight with the introduction of the very first lot, a rare Greek Lucanian red-figure bell-shape krater dating to circa 500-400 BC. Its pictorial program includes a robed man and a youth holding a staff on the obverse; and on the reverse, two youths standing and conversing, one of them holding a staff. Standing 285mm/11.22 inches high, this handsome vessel has been TL-tested by the independent German laboratory Ralf Kotalla and found to be consistent with the period reflected in its style. The TL report will convey to the new owner. Estimate: £3,000-£6,000 ($3,605-$7,210) Several Greek and Roman bronze statuettes and figures are worthy of special note. Dominating the group…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseLondon’s Apollo Art Auctions to launch new season with Jan. 29 auction of expertly authenticated ancient artworks, antiquities and coins, plus NFTs
In an industry-leading collaboration with Coinllectibles™, Apollo is including NFTs with the first five auction lots, which will transfer to winning bidders as both physical and digital assets LONDON - Apollo Art Auctions will launch its new season of gallery events with a January 29 sale generously laden with ancient fine art, antiquities and rare coins. Bidders who are unable to attend in person may bid remotely by phone, online or absentee, and everyone can enjoy the visually stunning auction catalogue online. With its exceptional photography and authoritative descriptions of rare art and artifacts, the auction book takes the reader on a virtual journey of the greatest civilizations of the world, traversing Classical Europe, Egypt and the Near East, and both southern Asia and the Far East. Attic black-figure on white-ground lekythos, circa 490-480 BC, attributed to the Athena painter. Depiction of scene from a centauromachy, showing hoplite soldier on one knee, thrusting point of spear into opponent’s midsection. Height: 238mm (9.37in). Similar example is held in the collection of the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Havana. Long line of provenance tracing back to Spencer Joshua Alwyne Compton, Second Marquess of Northampton (1790-1851), Castle Ashby House. Vase will transfer with Coinllectibles™ NFT digital ownership token. Estimate £20,000-£40,000 ($24,430-$48,860) By means of a collaboration between Apollo Art Auctions and Coinllectibles™ – a blockchain-technology company that supports the collectibles industry through its focus on art and rare memorabilia – an exciting new feature will be introduced at the 491-lot auction. Each of the first five lots will convey with an NFT digital ownership token (DOT), meaning the winning bidder of each of those five items will receive transferable ownership of both the physical and digital assets of their particular auction acquisition. “Fine art NFTs are still in their earliest days. We are proud to be in the vanguard of this new asset category and believe collectors will embrace the opportunity to enter the space. The initial five lots to be auctioned with NFTs were specifically chosen because of their photogenic quality,” said Apollo Art Auctions’ director, Dr. Ivan Bonchev. The January 29…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseLondon’s Apollo Art Auctions invites collectors and holiday gift-shoppers to a Dec. 11 Christmas ‘feast’ of ancient art, antiquities and coins
Auction features 500+ lots of carefully authenticated cultural art and artifacts, early hand-forged armor, and ancient jewelry; many items with distinguished provenance LONDON – Apollo Art Auctions hopes to make your Christmas merry and bright with unique antiquities, ancient artworks, coins and wearable jewelry chosen especially for their beautiful December 11, 2022 holiday sale. Whether you’re a collector or a gift-giver in search of something unforgettable, you’ll find it in this impeccably curated auction. The 500+ cataloged lots encompass a broad range of well-provenanced and expertly authenticated artifacts from Classical Europe, through Egypt and the Near East, as well as many treasures from India and China. Circa 100 BC to 100 AD Roman gold and carnelian intaglio ring depicting an elephant in profile with long trunk and well-defined legs, tail, ears. Estimate £1,500-£3,000 ($1,840-$3,680) The peerless array of wearable ancient jewelry and decorative objects – created in gold, silver, bronze, pottery, stone and glass – outshines anything a Christmas shopper might see at the toniest of Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive jewelry stores. Just a few of the highlights are: a British medieval gold ring with a massive sapphire, a Viking gold twisted ring, and a rare and exceptional Roman silver bowl with an embossed, high-relief bust of Zeus. The exceptional ancient art selection includes many museum-worthy Greek pieces, such as a large Greek Apulian red-figure amphora painted with two scenes: Eros seated on a stack of rocks and holding a large pyxis (box for carriage of personal objects), and a “Lady of Fashion” adorned with a fancy headband known as a “stephane.” Dating to circa 340-320 BC, the tastefully decorated, double-handled vessel is estimated at £1,500-£3,000 ($1,840-$3,680). As marbles go, the 1000mm-tall Roman figure of Asclepius, son of Apollo and the god of medicine, is a showstopper. Standing on an integral base, the figure clutches his mantle to one side, revealing a muscular torso. The artwork is further enhanced by a staff entwined by a snake. Similar to an example in the National Museums Liverpool, the marble was previously in a French collection, a Paris gallery, and Binoche et…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseApollo Art Auctions unveils magnificent trove of curated, fully authenticated ancient art and antiquities for November 13 sale
Featured: Roman Imperial marble bust of Empress Julia Domna, very rare Apulian and Lucanian painted vessels, Chinese terracotta camel, Gandharan Buddha, and inlaid Viking sword LONDON – Apollo Art Auctions, the connoisseur’s choice for authentic, expertly vetted ancient art and antiquities, takes pleasure in announcing highlights of its November 13 gallery auction, with all forms of remote bidding available, including live via the Internet. Roman Imperial marble bust likely depicting Empress Julia Domna, wife of Septimus Severus late 2nd century AD. Size: 320mm (12.6in) high; 2.45kg (5lbs. 6oz). Provenance: property of a London doctor; New York private collection; Gorny & Mocsch, Munich; an old Bavarian collection. Estimate: £15,000-£30,000 ($17,415-$34,830) The sale is divided into three sections encompassing a diverse range of premium-quality artifacts from Classical Europe, Egypt and the Near East, as well as many select items from India and China. The 455-lot auction includes such coveted rarities as a Roman Imperial marble bust of Empress Julia Domna, a Rodin painter Apulian krater, a Lucanian red-figure hydria and Attic black-figure oinochoe; as well as a Chinese terracotta camel, seated Gandharan Buddha, and inlaid Viking sword. From the Roman Imperial period, late 2nd century AD, a beautifully carved marble bust is likely a representation of Empress Julia Domna, wife of Septimus Severus and mother of Caracalla and Geta. She is depicted with a serene expression, wearing a draped peplos (tunic), her hair arranged in the distinctive plaited and twisted hairstyle that was favored by the empress. It stands 320mm (12.6in) high and has extensive provenance including collections in London, New York and Munich. The pre-sale estimate is £15,000-£30,000 ($17,415-$34,830). Several exceptional examples of painted pottery lead the impressive array of ceramics. A very rare Apulian red-figure column krater, executed by a Rodin painter, dates to circa 380-360 BC and is richly illustrated with a scene that includes warriors, an elegantly adorned woman holding a phiale and a wreath; and on the other side, three draped youths. The 460mm (18.1in) vessel is similar to an example held in The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. It has been precisely TL-dated by Ralf Kotalla,…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseApollo Art Auctions presents fresh-to-market ancient art and antiquities of extraordinary quality and beauty in Oct. 9 sale
Featured: Viking silver horse’s head armor with stunning hand-decoration, Egyptian painted and gilded mummy mask cartonnage, Chinese Tang Dynasty set of 12 zodiac figures Rare Viking Silver Horse Chamfron - Full Report LONDON – With each successive sale, London’s Apollo Art Auctions delights collectors of ancient art and antiquities with a fresh selection of fully authenticated treasures from bygone civilizations. Each rare object – whether valued for its great beauty, historical significance, or both – is offered with the assurance that it has been vetted by top experts working under the direction of Apollo’s founder, Dr. Ivan Bonchev (Ph.D., University of Oxford). On October 9th, the London-based firm will conduct yet another outstanding gallery auction of ancient art and antiquities, with worldwide bidding available online through LiveAuctioneers. The beautifully illustrated catalogue features 499 lots divided into three sections: Classical and Egyptian, Masterpieces of Ancient Asia, and Medieval Antiquities and Ancient Weaponry. The well-provenanced artifacts represent cultures of many significant eras and geographic regions, including Classical Europe, Egypt, the Near East, India and China. Ancient Egypt is endlessly fascinating, with its gods, its rituals and its reverence to those who had passed to the afterlife. A prime example of the latter is seen in the auction’s opening lot: an Egyptian mummy mask cartonnage from the Ptolemaic Period, circa 332-30 BC. Made from layers of plaster-covered linen, it presents an idealized portrait of the deceased, with pleasing facial features and voluminous tripartite wig. It is polychrome painted in peacock blue, red and white with generous gilding that has weathered many centuries to emerge in fine condition. Most recently it was held in the collection of an Oxfordshire (England) medical doctor. Estimate: £20,000-£40,000 ($22,938-$45,876) A number of highlights grace the Ancient Roman section, including a life-size marble head of youthful female from the Antonine Period, circa 200 AD. With a height of 380mm (15in) and a weight of 18.6kg (41lb), this substantial and masterfully sculpted artwork has a long line of provenance that includes a London art gallery, Brummer Gallery (New York), and a reference to having been purchased from “Pascal” in the…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseApollo Art Auctions presents connoisseur’s selection of expertly vetted ancient and Islamic art, August 28
Featured: Stellar circa 500-300 BC Chalcidian tin bronze helmet with nearly 100% of original tin plating intact LONDON – An extraordinary selection of ancient and oriental art, including early Islamic treasures, will be offered by Apollo Art Auctions on Sunday, August 28, starting at 12 noon BST (7 a.m. US Eastern Time). The 417-lot sale, with beautiful and interesting objects to please even the most sophisticated collector, will be conducted live at Apollo’s elegant central London gallery, with international participation cordially welcomed by phone, absentee bid, or live online through LiveAuctioneers. Magnificent circa 500-300 BC Greek Chalcidian tin bronze helmet. Bowl forged in one piece with high-arched eyebrows, teardrop-shape nose guard, articulated crescentic cheek-pieces formed for anatomic fit. Nearly 100% of tin plating preserved. Provenance: Important London collection of ancient art; previously acquired on the European art market; prior acquisition in Leipzig, Germany from E. Muller in the 1960s. Estimate: £10,000-£20,000 ($12,050-$24,100) The generously illustrated catalogue is divided in two parts. The Islamic section, which opens the sale, includes early pottery, glass and bronze works, as well as textiles, manuscripts and paintings that reflect Nishapur, Seljuk, Mamluk, Safavid and other Middle Eastern origins. The Ancient Art section features an enviable array of rare Greek, Etruscan, Roman and Medieval art and weaponry, as well as Chinese and Indus Valley ceramics. To the delight of those who collect wearable ancient jewellery, there is a trove of 50 tempting pieces from which to choose, including earrings, pendants, necklaces, and rings set with precious and semiprecious stones. A top highlight of the Islamic art category is a Mamluk or earlier (possibly Ayyubid or Fatimid) wooden panel carved in high relief. Traces of multicolor floral decoration in original pigments mare seen on its frame. The 390mm by 134mm (15.4in by 5.28in) piece, whose provenance includes a pre-2000 purchase from Oliver Hoare, will convey to its new owners will convey to its new owner with its Art Loss Register Certificate and a radiocarbon dating report. Estimate: £10,000-£15,000 ($12,050-$18,070) Adorned with Nasta’liq script in cartouches and face-in-sun symbols that link to the mythical shah Jamshid, a circa…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseApollo Art Auctions’ July 24 sale features magnificent antiquities, ancient and Asian art
500-lot auction features Egyptian ‘sickle sword,’ Imsety human-head canopic jar, Ancient Roman jewellery, Chalcidian helmets, medieval silver-gilt dish with niello lion, Sumerian pictograph tablet LONDON – A museum-quality selection of expertly appraised antiquities, ancient and Asian artworks, jewellery and weaponry will be offered by Apollo Art Auctions on Sunday, July 24, starting at 12 noon BST (7 a.m US Eastern Time). The 500-lot sale will be conducted live at Apollo’s elegant London gallery, with international participation cordially welcomed via phone, absentee bid, or live online through LiveAuctioneers. Finely modeled medieval Western European silver-gilt dish with niello lion, circa 1200-1400 A.D., likely Limoges and from Limousin region of France, renowned for its enamel production. A dish of its type is held in The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Size: 142mm long by 22.7mm wide, weight 109.53g. Trail of provenance dates to 1967 sale on UK market. Accompanied by professional historical report from Ancient Report Specialists. Estimate £20,000-£30,000 ($24,055-$36,080) The sale is divided into four sections encompassing a broad range of well provenanced artifacts from Europe, Egypt and the Near East, as well as many prized items from India and China. Bidders may choose from a wealth of unique treasures with provenance from such noted collections such as those of Captain Magnus Julius Davidsen, Alison Barker, and John Lee – all names of great distinction in the realm of antiquities. Each and every piece chosen for the auction has been vetted by a team of world-renowned ancient art experts, including Laetitia Delaloye, Emma Saber, James Brenchley, Sami Fortune, and Apollo Art Auctions’ founder, Dr Ivan Bonchev (PhD, University of Oxford). An artifact that goes back to the beginning of written language, a Sumerian pictographic tablet dates to circa 3100-2900 B.C. The rectangular tablet has columns of etched cuneiform writing which serves as an administrative account of food supplies. Measuring 44.8mm by 68.4mm and weighing 62.44 grams, it is similar to an example in The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The pre-auction estimate is £4,000-£8,000 ($4,810-$9,620). Several remarkable Egyptian relics will take the spotlight on auction day. A rare and most unusual khopesh “sickle…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseApollo Galleries to auction breathtaking array of classical and Asian antiquities, ancient jewellery and weaponry, May 14-15
Featured: Early 1st millennium BC bronze shield, life-size Roman marble statues of children, Chinese Ming Dynasty foo lion altar, unparalleled selection of Greek, Roman & Viking jewellery LONDON – Dr. Ivan Bonchev of Apollo Galleries and Auctions, Britain’s premier source for authentic, expertly appraised cultural art and antiquities, takes pleasure in announcing highlights of the company’s May 14-15, 2022 sale. The elegant 599-lot auction event is divided into two sessions, each devoted to its own distinct specialties. Classical and Asian antiquities will be presented on Saturday the 14th, while ancient jewellery and weaponry are reserved for Sunday the 15th. Deeply provenanced, all auction items have been vetted by world-renowned consultants, and if applicable, scientifically analyzed and tested. Rare Urartu (Iron Age kingdom in the historic Armenian highlands) convex bronze shield tondo with carinated, conical center. Decorated in repousse and ornamented with bosses, zigzags, vertical bars, arches. Circa early 1st millennium BC. Provenance: property of a London gentleman. Believed to have been previously part of Axel Guttman collection. Estimate £10,000-£15,000 ($12,545-$18,820) Wondrous treasures from many of the world’s greatest civilizations are featured in the selection prepared for this exciting weekend event. Discerning collectors will have the chance to acquire superb Greek and Roman pottery, Egyptian masks, Roman glass and lamps, as well as stunning wearable gold jewellery. Fascinating ancient weaponry includes Chalcidian helmets, Medieval period swords with inlaid handles, Viking battle axes, and much more. A diverse array of Asian offerings is led by porcelains, Gandharan sculptures, Chinese bronze and terracotta figures of mounted horses and their attendants; and other coveted animal forms, including rabbits, rams, dogs, pigs and fowl. The Saturday session opens on a high note with a pair of beautiful life-size Roman marble statues of cherubic nude children representing Harpocrates, the god of silence and secrecy. Each of the figures is posed gracefully on a plinth, with one hand resting on a vessel and the other arm holding a cornucopia. Held in a West Sussex estate after being acquired in the 1960s/’70s, the statues are accompanied by written archaeological expertise by Dr Raffaele D’Amato and a geological scholarly…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseApollo Galleries’ March 27 Ancient, Chinese and Islamic Art Auction features magnificent cultural artifacts from world-famous collections
All 488 lots vetted by stellar team of experts, including renowned Egyptologist Laetitia Delaloye LONDON – Apollo Galleries and Auctions, Britain’s premier source for expertly appraised cultural art and antiquities, takes pleasure in announcing highlights of their March 27, 2022 sale. The 488-lot Ancient, Chinese and Islamic Art Auction is divided into four sections that encompass a broad range of deeply provenanced artifacts spanning the Classical European era and important civilizations of the Near East, Egypt, India and China. Greek Apulian red-figure wheel-thrown ritual krater (vase with ‘volute’ handles), image of ‘Lady of Fashion’ on verso, 680mm high. TL-tested by independent German laboratory Ralf Kotalla. Provenance: central London gallery; English estate collection; acquired in 1990s from Andre de Munter, Brussels; old European collection. Estimate $26,225-$52,450 Most of the items entered in the sale boast an illustrious pedigree and were previously owned by legendary collectors such as the late London barrister Alison Barker, John Lee, and other noted connoisseurs. In addition, many pieces have a history that includes prior sale at either Christie’s or Bonhams. “No small detail was spared in preparing this exceptional sale, which I consider to be our best to date,” said Apollo Galleries director Dr Ivan Bonchev (PhD, University of Oxford). “In early February, we brought together most of our team of consultants to personally examine the entire auction selection. The team includes our consulting Egyptologist, Laetitia Delaloye, who began her career at Christie’s in 2007 and was appointed head of their London Antiquities department in 2016. She now shares her passion as an independent advisor to museums, collectors, dealers and other specialty businesses, including Apollo Galleries.” The March 27 sale includes Apollo Galleries’ first-ever dedicated section of Islamic art, starting at Lot 359. The collection of artifacts ranges from gilded Qurans and photographic prints to copper flasks and door fittings. With a timeline that spans the early Middle Ages through 19th century, its highlights include Lot 360, a Mamluk carved wooden panel, estimate $31,470-$62,945; Lot 373, a rare Ottoman Quran signed in inscribed by Ahmed Nazifi, estimate $52,450-$78,680; and Lot 391, a circa-1900 prayer mat with…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseLondon’s Apollo Galleries welcomes New Year with Jan. 16 Ancient Art & Antiquities Auction
Company opens in-house lab for scientific testing, introduces elite new team of experts overseeing Ancient Egyptology, jewellery, weaponry, and classical antiques LONDON – Apollo Galleries, London’s premier source for authentic, fully vetted ancient art and antiquities, will host its first auction of the New Year on Sunday, January 16, with absentee and Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers. The breathtaking assemblage of rarities from legendary civilizations is offered with authoritative descriptions and assessments from a newly-engaged team of specialists whose experience at the highest echelons of the art trade are amply documented. Londons Apollo Galleries welcomes New Year with Jan. 16 Ancient Art & Antiquities Auction Each of the new consultants has a background ideally suited to an Apollo Galleries division. Emma Saber, an acknowledged authority on Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern antiquities for more than 20 years and a specialist for Christie’s, is also a lecturer with Christie’s Education on the antiquities market and how to collect and catalogue antiquities. Richard Falkiner, a respected professional who has provided his expertise to The Masterpiece, BRAFA Art, Frieze Fairs and Bonhams, covered Ancient, Medieval and Islamic items, as well as coins and medals, for Christie’s over a 14-year period. He was elected a Fellow of the venerable Society of Antiquaries of London, founded in 1707. Apollo Galleries also welcomes the expert contributions of Russel Scott, who has been the authenticity officer for the Viking Society for more than 26 years. He has been in the antiquities trade for 43+ years and consulted for the British Museum as well as BBC documentaries about medieval and Viking weaponry. His extensive body of knowledge includes manufacturing techniques of ancient periods. The auction opens with a stunning selection of ancient ceramics, glass and metalware that includes many unusual items, such as a colorful Egyptian faience-beaded mummy shroud and mask, and silver letters used to spell out a good-luck message on Roman soldiers’ belts. Leading the group is a rare and important Neo-Assyrian vessel, circa 800-600 BC, which was cut and hollowed out from a single large piece of solid rock crystal – a feat that…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseApollo Galleries to host November 21 Ancient Art & Antiquities Auction featuring medieval, Greek & Viking helmets; Chinese Shang Dynasty vessel, rare Egyptian ibis sculpture
Formerly trading as Pax Romana and now rebranded as Apollo Galleries, London’s premier antiquities firm has expanded its business space, roster of consultants, divisions & events LONDON – After 10 years as a recognized leader in the field of ancient art and antiquities, London’s Pax Romana has rebranded as Apollo Galleries. Adopting the name of the Greek god of the sun – and everything under the sun, including art, knowledge, music, poetry and truth – Apollo Galleries hopes to be every bit as multifaceted in its worldly domain as Apollo was in his divine realm. Secured by a deep investment in its future, the company has expanded its elegant two-floor gallery directly opposite The British Museum, increased its roster of managers and expert consultants; installed new scientific equipment for in-house object analysis, and launched new divisions, including Ancient Interiors and Wearable Ancient Jewellery. The firm will be hosting regular events and lectures, and producing informative videos while also hosting a year-round slate of exceptional specialty auctions. Chinese Shang Dynasty bronze tripod vessel (ding), circa 1300-1200 BC. Comparable example appears in the book Shang Ritual Bronzes in the National Palace Museum Collection, Taipei, 1998. Piece has undergone XRF analysis by independent Belgian laboratory. Estimate £20,000-£40,000 On Sunday, November 21, Apollo Galleries will present a 331-lot Ancient Art & Antiquities Auction, with online bidding through LiveAuctioneers, that takes collectors on a virtual journey through the most important cultures of the past. The fully curated boutique selection features museum-quality art and relics from the intriguing civilizations of the Indus Valley through the Viking Age and Crusader Era. Since the Egyptian Battle of Mediggo in 1479 BC – the first armed conflict recorded by eyewitnesses – history has been plagued by one war after another. Scholars are especially interested in the armaments used in battles throughout the centuries, as they create a tangible timeline of technological progress. In the November sale, collectors will find an outstanding array of swords, spear-, mace- and axeheads; and even curious Byzantine pottery “Greek fire” grenades. Helmets are always in great demand. Among the sale’s most interesting – and…
Auction Industry, Press ReleasePax Romana’s March 7 auction explores Chinese decorative art for interiors, from Qing Empire through 20th century
Featured: Beautiful porcelains, white jade figure of Buddha, Sino-Tibetan bronze Guan Yin, bronze seated Buddha holding sword aloft, iron-red foo dog dragons Sino-Tibetan bronze figure of a Guan Yin seated in rajalilasana and wearing heavy robes, jewelry and a pierced crown; 450mm high x 270mm wide. Weight: 11kg (24lbs 4 oz). Estimate: £2,000-£3,000 LONDON – Internationally acclaimed for its auctions of connoisseur-level antiquities, ancient jewelry and weaponry, Pax Romana will add a new string to its bow on March 7 with the debut of Asian Interiors: Chinese Decorative Arts. The 243-lot sale of hand-picked, fully vetted Chinese porcelain and art focuses on exquisite decorative treasures that add color and sophistication to the home, with a timeline that starts with the Qing Dynasty and concludes in the 20th century. All items are being offered with no reserve and will be sold to the highest bidder at or above the starting price. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers. “Since the 17th century, Chinese vases, censers and accent pieces have been favored as decorative elements in fine European and American homes,” said Pax Romana’s director Dr. Ivan Bonchev (PhD, University of Oxford). “That tradition is still very much alive today. Whether the theme of a room or entire residence is Art Deco, traditional or very modern, there’s a piece of Chinese art to complement its look and feel. While making the final selections for our March 7 auction, we made every effort to choose striking artworks that would suit any decorating taste. Chinese art is truly a design classic.” Chinese vases are admired for their graceful symmetry and hand-painted detail work. Several exceptional examples are entered in the auction, and like many items from other categories, they come from estate collections in the United Kingdom or Continental Europe, or in some cases were acquired decades ago at upscale antique fairs. A pair of large Chinese porcelain vases decorated with elaborate scenes and calligraphy, each measuring 600mm high by 250mm wide, are offered with a lot estimate of £600-£900. Another appealing entry is a Chinese porcelain vase decorated with dragons and an imaginative…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseLondon’s Pax Romana to welcome New Year with Jan. 10 Antiquities, Ancient Jewellery & Weaponry Auction
Featured: Egyptian ex-museum pieces, Ancient Asian art; unique, independently authenticated helmets, Chinese bronze vessels and jewellery from thousands of years ago LONDON - Pax Romana, the respected London antiquities gallery and boutique auction house headed by Dr. Ivan Bonchev (PhD, University of Oxford), will launch its 2021 calendar of events with a January 10 auction of connoisseur-level antiquities, ancient jewellery and weaponry. The 610-lot offering is highlighted by Egyptian pieces formerly held in museum collections, TL- or XRF-tested art from Ancient China, and unique helmets dating to as early as 900 BC. All items are offered with no reserve and will be sold to the highest bidder at or above the starting price. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers. “This is truly Pax Romana’s most magnificent sale to date,” said Dr. Bonchev. “We are very proud of the selections included in this auction as well as the painstaking research that supports each piece. Our clientele expects a first-class experience, and we ensure that they receive it, starting with authoritative catalogue descriptions and detailed provenance.” Rare Greek Hellenistic Phrygian bronze helmet, circa 500-300 BC, originally may have been associated with a statue of the god Attis. Provenance dates back to 1897 purchase by Jorg Krause. Fully authenticated with XRF Certificate from Belgian laboratory and 2020 European Export license. Estimate £30,000-£50,000 The auction’s timeline tracks many of the world’s great civilizations through cultural art and relics. Some of the earliest entries represent the man-to-man combat between warring nations of centuries ago. Because of the shape of its crest, a rare bronze Phrygian helmet from the Greek Hellenistic period, circa 500-300 BC, is likely to have been associated with a statue of the god Attis. Starting around 1250 BC, Attis – a god of vegetation – was worshipped by a Phrygian (west-central Anatolia/modern-day Asian Turkey) cult in the mountainous region of Dindymon. The helmet is fully authenticated with an XRF Certificate from an independent Belgian laboratory and has a 2020 European Export license. Its long line of provenance can be traced back to 1897, when it was purchased by Jorg Krause. Auction…
