Silver is a very special metal, and over the years, Americans have enjoyed all manner of silver objects, ranging from spoons and tankards to dinner services and presentation pieces. At first available to only the most affluent American colonists who could afford expensive, imported silverware, the onset of gifted domestic silversmiths and the rise of a middle class made it possible for increasing numbers to acquire silver treasures that served decorative, commemorative, presentational and household uses. One of the best exhibitions on the subject in some time, ⁓tories in Sterling: Four Centuries of Silver in New York,†draws on the trove of more than 3,000 silver objects in the collection of the venerable and invaluable New-York Historical Society (N-YHS). On view through September 2 and spanning the Sixteenth through the Twentieth Centuries, the exhibition features 150 notable silver objects with a focus on their owners, the context in which they were used and their cultural significance.

Bronze with gold and silver foil inlay, 2nd century B.C.E. H. 7 cm. The features of this small lively animal do not identify it with any natural species. It has a horse-like head with blunt muzzle, but sharp fangs. A single, curled crest and small alert ears sweep back from the top of its head. The creature stands on leonine paws, chest proudly thrust forward, front legs straight and taut, and hind legs bent as if ready to pounce. Comma-shaped excrescences, suggesting wing feathers, accent each elbow. Gold and silver inlays highlight the crest, ears, chest, body, tail, and legs. The eye sockets were once also inlaid. The figure is hollow, with an opening on the underside of its belly, probably left by the casting process. It is unclear in what contexts such exquisitely decorated mythical creatures of this size and scale may have served. Imaginary creatures abound in late Eastern Zhou texts and religions, playing especially important roles in Daoist thought and the pursuit of immortality during the Qin and Han periods (see cat. nos. 108, 109). During these period, similarly scaled, fabulous and real animals were often made of jade and decorated bronze in groups, and may have been meant as the exotic inhabitants of miniature, three-dimensional models of the Isle of the Immortals where their owners hoped one day to dwell.1 JFS 1. So 1996, pp. 29-30. Text and image from the website of the Miho Museum.

Specialist Jacqueline Dennis Subhash explains how and why this sculpture was made, and recalls her visits to the bronze workshops of the Kathmandu Valley

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This elegant and refined, six-lobed silver ewer with parcel gilding (part gold plating) dates to the 18th century and possibly to the 17th century. The form of the body appears based on an elongated gourd. The handle, which is gilded, is shaped like a gnarled branch. The spout, also gilded, is shaped as bamboo. The … Read more

Carved Amber Dragon Snuff Bottle China, late 20th century Sho' nuff snuff stuff - the Art of Snuff Made from powdered tobacco mixed with aromatic spices and herbs, snuff was introduced into China from Japan in the 17th Century. The inhalant had medicinal qualities and was initially transported in cylindrical bottles. As its popularity increased, so did the aesthetic of the vessels that it was carried in. There are references of medicinal 'snuff' in the Indian traditional medical classic, Charaka Samhita, dating back to the 2nd Century AD. Coveted by nobility and used by royalty,

View the Sataloff Collection of Chinese Export Silver www.skinnerinc.com/explore/sales/2519B/lots/index

A guide to archaic bronze vessels, from inscriptions and origins to purpose and provenance, illustrated with lots offered at Christie’s

Israeli archaeologists announced the discovery Monday of a rare treasure of gold and silver objects dating back about 3,600 years to the Middle Bronze Age, or the Canaanite period. They were found in the archaeological site of the Tel Gezer National Park, in the Judean foothills near Beit Shemesh. Silver pendant featuring a disc with a relief carving of an eight-pointed star, found in the biblical city of Gezer [Credit: Clara Amit, IAA] The excavation was conducted by Dr. Tzvika Tzuk, Director of Archaeology for the Israel Nature and Parks Authority in collaboration Dr. Eli Yanai, a retired Israel Antiquities Authority researcher and Drs. Dan Warner and Jim Parker from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. “This finding is a very significant find to help date the building and show the cultural transparence from Mesopotamia all the way in history down to the State of Israel,” stated Dr. Warner, who is also historian and Bible teacher. Egyptian scarab with gold bezel, found in the Canaanite city of Gezer [Credit: Clara Amit, IAA] The treasure constitutes a foundation deposit for the rooms which, according to the archaeologists, represented offerings to deities, a theory supported by the administrative nature of the building and its proximity to the city gates. “This is a foundation deposit, we found it underneath the house. They placed it there to appease the gods so that their house would still stand. These are the tallest preserved walls from this time period anywhere in Israel,” Dr. Warner told Tazpit Press Service (TPS). Linen impression on part of the find at biblical Gezer, which archaeologists believe was an offering to the gods [Credit: Clara Amit, IAA] Researchers managed to separate the findings into five separate parts, while some fragments of silver pieces such as rings and necklace could not be separated due to intensive corrosion. The central deposit is a pendant with an eight-pointed star within a 3.8 cm diameter disc and a crescent on top of it, which represents a well-known symbol dating to over 1000 years before that time period. Dr. Irit Ziffer identified the symbol as representing both Ishtar, the Mesopotamian East Semitic goddess of fertility, love, war, sex and power, as well as the Chinese moon god of the Akkadian culture. The treasure in its pot in the foundations of a building in ancient Gezer [Credit: Chet Roden] The rest of the treasure is comprised of golden banded scarab from Egypt dated to the Hyskos period, a silver chain, an earing, and another pendant that resembles an arrow. The treasure was found in one block wrapped in cloth deposited in lidded pottery. Dr. Orit Shamir and Dr. Naama Sukenik of the organic material laboratory of the IAA identified the cloth as linen cloth according to the shape of the threads and weaving techniques. Aerial view of the palatial building found in ancient Gezer, which archaeologists have tentatively dated to King Solomon's time [Credit: Tel Gezer Excavation Project, Steven M. Ortiz] Dr. Warner said that the fabric in which the treasure was wrapped in is one of the oldest pieces of fabric found in Israel, apart from the ones discovered in Megiddo, while only two textile samples from the Canaanite period were found, one in Jericho and one in Rishon Letzion. “During the Canaanite period, Gezer was one of the cities of primordial importance in Israel and its significance continued until the moment King Solomon built the city anew ,” said Shaul Goldstein, CEO of INPA. Pieces of typically Philistine-style bichromatic and multicolored pottery found in the pre-Solomonic city found beneath Canaanite ancient Gezer [Credit: Sam Wolff] “This finding is a significant achievement, which sheds light on the Canaanite culture in Israel more than 3600 years ago, and further consolidates the position of Tel Gezer National Park site as an archaeological gem with great significance to Israel,” Goldstein said. Author: Ilana Messika | Source: The Jewish Voice [November 16, 2016] Labels Archaeology, Israel, Near East TANN you might also like Newer Post Older Post

Rare Antique Chinese Carved Canopy Bed with Alcove Rare Qing Dynasty, elaborately carved, antique Chinese wedding bed chamber; including rear canopy bed sleeping area, with alcove greeting and seating area in front. Traditionally, the alcove area of Chinese bed chambers were used to greet visitors and usually were furnished with two chairs and a center table; from which tea, wine and food were served. The window openings were covered with beautiful silks in the warm months and warmer fabrics during the colder months. They could be drawn closed for privacy or opened to allow breezes to pass through. The ceiling area could have been draped with silk. The front of the alcove section of the bed chamber features beautifully carved panels of garden scenes, scrolls and an amazing multi-tiered, projecting cornice. Much of the carvings are embellished with reflective mica-for a glittering effect. The carved panels have a reddish, clear lacquer finish and are highlighted in places with silver and gold lacquer. Of special note on the cornice are wooden mounted carved birds that are attached to springs which cause them to move and seemingly fly. Also the cornice features carved phoenixes which signify womanhood and feminine virtues. Between the alcove and the raised bed platform entranceway is an inscription on an upper panel which reads "Consecutively Bearing Precious Sons." In the Chinese tradition, having many sons was very desirable. Placing the panel near the bed was an auspicious symbol, referencing the bed area as a place where fertility was needed. The entrance between the alcove and the sleeping area would have traditionally been draped. The raised bed platform in the rear of the bed chamber is where a mattress-like cushion would have been placed for sleeping. This area is equivalent to a full size Western bed, 47" * 76". Included with the bed chamber is a newly crafted raised platform, the same height as the sleeping area platform, and made to fit within the alcove area. This would make the entire bed chamber into a sleeping area. The sleeping area has two windows of each side. These windows have wooden panels that can be raised or lowered for privacy, light and warmth. The ceiling of the bed area is wood; which would have been covered in silk or another fabric and draped in a canopy fashion. Construction of the bed chamber is fascinating, as no nails or glue was used. All wooden framework, beams, supports, panels, and carvings are held in place by locking together with tension -- making assembly and disassembly simple. In fact, the entire bed chamber can be assembled in approximately one hour. The only tool needed is a rubber mallet and about four people to hold pieces in place until assembled. All pieces of the bed chamber are labeled and complete step-by-step instructions are available; as well as photos taken during an assembly.