Parthian Terracotta Horse and Rider - 9.5 cm (No reserve price)
05
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 650 - € 800
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Parthian terracotta sculpture titled 'Horse and Rider', dating to 247 BC–224 AD, in excellent condition, measuring 9.5 cm high by 5.5 cm wide by 3.3 cm deep, acquired in 2025 from a gallery/antique dealer in the United Kingdom, with the previous owner having acquired it in 1990.
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Description from the seller
IMPORTANT!
Due to new custom regulations we can no longer ship outside the E.U. Please make sure you have an EU shipping address before bidding.
- Following the collapse of Hellenistic rule in 321 BC, the territories of the Achaemenid Empire, which had been divided between the Ptolemaic Dynasty in Egypt and the Seleucids in West Asia, were inherited by the newly established Parthian Empire. The empire witnessed great expansion under Mithridates I, developing into a major cultural and political power.
Terracotta idols and figurines comprise an iconic artistic tradition in the ancient Near East. With origins in early Mesopotamia, variations of the tradition feature in Hittite, Aramaic, Assyrian, and Cypriot contexts. The Parthian innovation adopts a more classical style, owing to its Hellenistic neighbours, whilst maintaining Mesopotamian traditions. These types of figurines feature finely decorated heads and torsos, and are usually of modest dimensions for placement in temples, graves and private homes as a means of gaining favour with certain deities.
- See last picture as a parallel: https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4170729
Registered shipping.
Provenance/Known History:
Ex. Private London Collection. Acquired in the 1990s. After that A&O Gallery, UK.
Important information:
- A declaration of authenticity by my shop is provided with this lot.
- Invoices, import- and export papers etc. will not be shared with customers.
- Please do not pay for a won item before you are finished bidding in the auction. The system will not be able to combine your orders into one shipping if all items aren't paid at once.
IMPORTANT!
Due to new custom regulations we can no longer ship outside the E.U. Please make sure you have an EU shipping address before bidding.
- Following the collapse of Hellenistic rule in 321 BC, the territories of the Achaemenid Empire, which had been divided between the Ptolemaic Dynasty in Egypt and the Seleucids in West Asia, were inherited by the newly established Parthian Empire. The empire witnessed great expansion under Mithridates I, developing into a major cultural and political power.
Terracotta idols and figurines comprise an iconic artistic tradition in the ancient Near East. With origins in early Mesopotamia, variations of the tradition feature in Hittite, Aramaic, Assyrian, and Cypriot contexts. The Parthian innovation adopts a more classical style, owing to its Hellenistic neighbours, whilst maintaining Mesopotamian traditions. These types of figurines feature finely decorated heads and torsos, and are usually of modest dimensions for placement in temples, graves and private homes as a means of gaining favour with certain deities.
- See last picture as a parallel: https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4170729
Registered shipping.
Provenance/Known History:
Ex. Private London Collection. Acquired in the 1990s. After that A&O Gallery, UK.
Important information:
- A declaration of authenticity by my shop is provided with this lot.
- Invoices, import- and export papers etc. will not be shared with customers.
- Please do not pay for a won item before you are finished bidding in the auction. The system will not be able to combine your orders into one shipping if all items aren't paid at once.
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
