MIDDLE MINOAN II, CIRCA 2ND MILLENIUM B.C.

Name: A MINOAN BRONZE DOUBLE AXE
Brand: MIDDLE MINOAN II, CIRCA 2ND MILLENIUM B.C.
Price: 12000.00 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

Price Realised GBP 15,000

Estimate

GBP 4,000 - GBP 6,000

Closed: 27 Jul 2020

Loading details

Try our

A MINOAN BRONZE DOUBLE AXE

MIDDLE MINOAN II, CIRCA 2ND MILLENIUM B.C.

Price Realised GBP 15,000

Closed: 27 Jul 2020

Price Realised GBP 15,000

Closed: 27 Jul 2020

Details Lot Essay More from

8¹⁄₈ in. (20.5 cm.) long

Nicolas Koutoulakis (1910-1996), Paris and Geneva; thence by descent to the present owner.

Conditions of Sale
FAQs
This lot is offered by Christie Manson & Woods Ltd

Brought to you by

Claudio Corsi

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

ccorsi@christies.com +44 207 389 2607

View condition report

Lot Essay

This double axe belongs to a common type that appeared in Early Minoan II in many regions of Crete. Although it served a functional purpose, it also represented one of the most important symbols of Minoan religion and ritual, linked with the sacrificing of bulls at religious ceremonies. The shape of the double axe can also be seen throughout Minoan art, carved on buildings and in small votive models found in shrines. The importance of the symbol of the bull to the Minoans is highlighted here by the incision of a bull's head on the central part of each side of this axe. For a Minoan axe of the same type, p. 84, no. 57 in, , New York, 2008.
Post Lot Text
This lot has been imported from outside the EU for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the hammer price.