A GREEK/EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN AMETHYST OWL, CIRCA 4TH-3RD CENTURY B.C. A GREEK/EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN AMETHYST OWL, CIRCA 4TH-3RD CENTURY B.C. A GREEK/EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN AMETHYST OWL, CIRCA 4TH-3RD CENTURY B.C. A GREEK/EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN AMETHYST OWL, CIRCA 4TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.

A GREEK/EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN AMETHYST OWL, CIRCA 4TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.

Reference: ART600524

The tridimensional carved amethyst in form of the famous owl of Athens. This mythological sculpture is characterised by a horizontal elongated head and big rounded open-eyes. The head feathers and the pupils are deeply carved. The face is frontal meanwhile the body is turned to the left. The wings, and some other feathers are represented by the same carved-lines. The posture of the bird and the general appearance are referring to the mythological owl of the goddess Athena, symbol of the city of Athens (see coinage production). This sculpture can be seen as a votive idol or a very precious protective amulet empowered by the image linked to the goddess of wisdom and strategy. This unique specimen is a beautiful example of the ancient craftsmanship from the choice of the bicolor fluorite and its artistic treatment, combining both the stone and the mythic animal characteristics to emphasize the power of the symbolic hence the protective function of the sculpture.
4.8 cm. height, 3.4 cm. length, 2.6 cm. depth.
59.35 grams.

CONDITION
Intact.

PROVENANCE
UK private collection. Property of East London gentleman; formerly acquired by R. Ancient Art from Rabi Gallery (Mount street, London) in the 80's.

Enrico Butini Enigma dei vasi murrini. Leggende, storia, letteratura, indagine archeogemmologica. L'ERMA di BRETSCHNEIDER 2019; Dario Del Bufalo, Murrina Vasa: a luxury of imperial Rome, Roma 2016.