Hellenistic Ptolemaic Bone Ring Bezel with a Portrait of a Woman (No reserve price)
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 280 - € 350
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Description from the seller
A fine Hellenistic Ptolemaic ring bezel carved from bone, featuring a wide oval shape and depicts a female profile bust in relief. The figure is portrayed with an elaborate hairstyle, with the hair arranged in the so-called melon coiffure and tied in a bun at the back. The facial features, including a long pointed nose, deeply set eyes and a small mouth, have been carefully rendered. Her long neck has prominent Venus rings scored into the surface beneath the pointed chin. It is possible that the profile depicted portrays Ptolemaic queen Arsinoe II (reigned 278-270 BC). The reverse of the bezel shows remnants of ring shoulders. The bezel displays a repaired crack across the middle with some glue residue still visible. Signs of wear as consistent with its age, such as scratches, surface pitting, and minor flaking.
Facial features of such portraits have been compared to the coin portraits and heads on faience oinochoai showing Arsinoe II (reigned 278-270 BC). This and the other similar rings may represent this particular queen. The rings may have served a commemorative function, or were perhaps made during the festival of Arsinoe, the Arsinoeia which was inaugurated after her death and became one of the most celebrated festivals in Egypt. Though she ruled for such a short time, Arsinoe II fast became a most popular queen, and Cleopatra VII herself adopted many of Arsinoe's traits in her Egyptian royal iconography.
Dimensions: L 2.9cm x W 2cm
Provenance: From an Ex Japanese private collection, 1970-2010.
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
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
A fine Hellenistic Ptolemaic ring bezel carved from bone, featuring a wide oval shape and depicts a female profile bust in relief. The figure is portrayed with an elaborate hairstyle, with the hair arranged in the so-called melon coiffure and tied in a bun at the back. The facial features, including a long pointed nose, deeply set eyes and a small mouth, have been carefully rendered. Her long neck has prominent Venus rings scored into the surface beneath the pointed chin. It is possible that the profile depicted portrays Ptolemaic queen Arsinoe II (reigned 278-270 BC). The reverse of the bezel shows remnants of ring shoulders. The bezel displays a repaired crack across the middle with some glue residue still visible. Signs of wear as consistent with its age, such as scratches, surface pitting, and minor flaking.
Facial features of such portraits have been compared to the coin portraits and heads on faience oinochoai showing Arsinoe II (reigned 278-270 BC). This and the other similar rings may represent this particular queen. The rings may have served a commemorative function, or were perhaps made during the festival of Arsinoe, the Arsinoeia which was inaugurated after her death and became one of the most celebrated festivals in Egypt. Though she ruled for such a short time, Arsinoe II fast became a most popular queen, and Cleopatra VII herself adopted many of Arsinoe's traits in her Egyptian royal iconography.
Dimensions: L 2.9cm x W 2cm
Provenance: From an Ex Japanese private collection, 1970-2010.
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
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Hellenistic Ptolemaic
Century/ Timeframe
Circa 3rd-1st century BC
Name of object
Ring Bezel with a Portrait of a Woman
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1990
Material
Bone
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Repaired
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
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.
