Bactrian Bronze Ring with Black Glass Bead (No reserve price)





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Description from the seller
A Bactrian bronze ring featuring a round-section hoop with a wide band, and a large raised bezel. The bezel flares out slightly towards the wide, circular rim at the top, and has been set with a rounded, black glass bead, with the suspension perforation still visible. Trails of bronze granules encircle the protruding bezel and the shoulders surrounding the bezel. The bead has been reset with glue residue visible around the edges. The glass bead displays some minor chips and an indentation towards the top. A dark patination and earthly encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as chips to the edges of the ring, surface pitting, and minor scratches.
Bactria or Bactriana was an ancient country situated between the Hindu Kush and Amu Darya mountains. Its relevance centred around 600 BCE and 600 CE, as it served as a significant meeting place for Western and Eastern trade routes as well as being a central location for religious and artistic ideas. This meant large scale migration and resettlement of communities which resulted in a large circulation of new cultures and languages and an accumulation of vast wealth. Jewellery is such a wealth gained; these collections of rings pose as a suitable example.
Measurements: (circa) L 3.5cm x W 2.2cm
Internal diameter: (circa) 1.8cm
Closest UK ring size: P
Provenance: Private London collection, ex Parthenon Gallery, 1990-2017.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
A Bactrian bronze ring featuring a round-section hoop with a wide band, and a large raised bezel. The bezel flares out slightly towards the wide, circular rim at the top, and has been set with a rounded, black glass bead, with the suspension perforation still visible. Trails of bronze granules encircle the protruding bezel and the shoulders surrounding the bezel. The bead has been reset with glue residue visible around the edges. The glass bead displays some minor chips and an indentation towards the top. A dark patination and earthly encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as chips to the edges of the ring, surface pitting, and minor scratches.
Bactria or Bactriana was an ancient country situated between the Hindu Kush and Amu Darya mountains. Its relevance centred around 600 BCE and 600 CE, as it served as a significant meeting place for Western and Eastern trade routes as well as being a central location for religious and artistic ideas. This meant large scale migration and resettlement of communities which resulted in a large circulation of new cultures and languages and an accumulation of vast wealth. Jewellery is such a wealth gained; these collections of rings pose as a suitable example.
Measurements: (circa) L 3.5cm x W 2.2cm
Internal diameter: (circa) 1.8cm
Closest UK ring size: P
Provenance: Private London collection, ex Parthenon Gallery, 1990-2017.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
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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.
