The graceful form of this splendid vessel achieves a sculptural perfection. It speaks of an age-old fondness for luxury unadorned with extraneous detail. Containing precious  More »

The graceful form of this splendid vessel achieves a sculptural perfection. It speaks of an age-old fondness for luxury unadorned with extraneous detail. Containing precious perfumes or balms, it surely belonged to some woman of the ancient world whose skin echoed its luminous beauty. When we hold it as she did, we delight also in its cool and pleasing contours. - (PF.1029) Origin: Eastern Mediterranean Circa: 550 BC to 450 BC Dimensions: 14.2" (36.1cm) high Collection: Biblical Style: Persian Period Medium: Alabaster   « Less

In the Holy Land, where wells are scarce and far between, the water flask was part of every traveler's equipment. With a flattened circular body and handles through which a  More »

In the Holy Land, where wells are scarce and far between, the water flask was part of every traveler's equipment. With a flattened circular body and handles through which a cord could be passed, such flasks could be suspended from the shoulder to refresh the traveler on long journeys. In Samuel, the story is told of how David found king Saul sleeping in a cave. Though Saul was pursuing him with evil intent, David refused to harm the king. Instead, to demonstrate his mercy, David took only Saul's spear and the water flask near the king's head. That flask no doubt closely resembled this graceful one. As we hold this vessel in our hands today, we cannot help but wonder who drank from it so long ago. - (PF.2015) Origin: Israel (Hebron) Circa: 1500 BC to 1250 BC Collection: Biblical Medium: Terracotta   « Less

This elegant lamp has seven spouts, which suggest it may have been used as a menorah. It burned in the Holy Land in the period between the rise of the Hasmoneans and the  More »

This elegant lamp has seven spouts, which suggest it may have been used as a menorah. It burned in the Holy Land in the period between the rise of the Hasmoneans and the first Jewish revolt. A metaphor for joy and prosperity, for hope, for life itself, lamps have illuminated the path of civilization for centuries. Lamps have shed light on mundane and extraordinary events alike. They have guided great thoughts through the night and stood vigil with lonely passions. In the presence of this simple object, we are in touch directly with a vanished world, with the rooms and shrines once warmed by its glow. It remains as an enduring symbol of man's desire to conquer the darkness. - (PF.2208)   « Less

Origin: Israel Circa: 600 AD to 900 AD Dimensions: 4" (10.2cm) high x 2.25" (5.7cm) wide Collection: Near Eastern Style: Islamic Medium: Glass This most unusual vessel  More »

Origin: Israel Circa: 600 AD to 900 AD Dimensions: 4" (10.2cm) high x 2.25" (5.7cm) wide Collection: Near Eastern Style: Islamic Medium: Glass This most unusual vessel is shaped like a spindle laden with wool. In the art of the classical world, we see Roman and Greek matrons bending over their spinning: in antiquity, the spindle was part of every well-bred woman's household equipment. Surely then, this charming object belonged among the treasures of a woman who lived long ago. This may be the only surviving clue to her existence, yet somehow in its presence we feel we know her very well. - (GF.0138)   « Less

Origin: Jerusalem Circa: 67 AD to 68 AD Collection: Coin Jewelry Style: Year Two Medium: Bronze, Gold Obverse: Amphora with broad rim and two handles/Year Two Reverse:  More »

Origin: Jerusalem Circa: 67 AD to 68 AD Collection: Coin Jewelry Style: Year Two Medium: Bronze, Gold Obverse: Amphora with broad rim and two handles/Year Two Reverse: Vine leaf on branch/The Deliverance of Zion Bronze prutahs were issued during the second and third years of the First Jewish War against Rome (66-70 AD). They feature an amphora with the date and the Hebrew inscription, 'The Deliverance of Zion.' Those from year two have an uncovered amphora, those from year three have a lidded amphora. - (BF.090 )   « Less

Altars with four extended horns at the top corners had a very ancient tradition in Israel, with examples of stone surviving from the Bronze Age period. Sacred law  More »

Altars with four extended horns at the top corners had a very ancient tradition in Israel, with examples of stone surviving from the Bronze Age period. Sacred law automatically protected a person seeking refuge who clutched one of these horns. The book of Exodus relates how God gave Moses instructions for two kinds of altars: one for blood sacrifice, the other for the burning of incense. This clay brazier, formed in the shape of a large square altar, was probably a votive gift at a shrine or temple. The burning of aromatic incense is still evidenced by the fire marks in the top depression. Hints of its original painted green surface can still be discerned. Although relatively simply formed, this votive altar was clearly made by loving hands and still carries with it the essence and power of enduring faith. - (PF.2300) Origin: Judaean Hills, Israel Circa: 50 BCE to 100 CE Dimensions: 4.75" (12.1cm) high x 2.875" (7.3cm) wide Collection: Biblical Style: Roman Period Medium: Terracotta   « Less

The Roman occupation of Ancient Israel is a torrential chapter in the history of both the Roman Empire as well as the Jews that would ultimately lead to the expulsion of  More »

The Roman occupation of Ancient Israel is a torrential chapter in the history of both the Roman Empire as well as the Jews that would ultimately lead to the expulsion of Jewish population from their homeland. With the decline in power of the ruling Seleucid dynasty of Syria in the second century B.C., the Maccabeans began to assert greater political independence for the Jewish people. Upon the death of Alexander Jannaeus in 76 B.C., his widow Salome Alexandra took over the reigns of power. However, because a woman could not hold the office of high priest, this title was given to her son by Jannaeus, Yehohanan Hyrcanus II. When Salome died in 67 B.C., a civil war broke out between Hyrcanus and his brother Aristobulus II that lasted four years, until the Roman general Pompey intervened. Pompey then conquered Jerusalem but left the powers of Yehohanan Hyrcanus as high Priest intact. From this time onward, the Romans took an active hand in the political affairs of Judea. One of John Hyrcanus chief advisors was Antipater the Idumean who saw that his own son Herod was eventually installed on the throne after the death of Hyrcanus in 40 B.C. Origin: Syria Circa: 100 AD to 400 AD Dimensions: 17.5" (44.5cm) high Catalogue: V6 Collection: Biblical Style: Roman Period Medium: Basalt   « Less

The Roman occupation of Ancient Israel is a torrential chapter in the history of both the Roman Empire as well as the Jews that would ultimately lead to the expulsion of  More »

The Roman occupation of Ancient Israel is a torrential chapter in the history of both the Roman Empire as well as the Jews that would ultimately lead to the expulsion of Jewish population from their homeland. With the decline in power of the ruling Seleucid dynasty of Syria in the second century B.C., the Maccabeans began to assert greater political independence for the Jewish people. Upon the death of Alexander Jannaeus in 76 B.C., his widow Salome Alexandra took over the reigns of power. However, because a woman could not hold the office of high priest, this title was given to her son by Jannaeus, Yehohanan Hyrcanus II. When Salome died in 67 B.C., a civil war broke out between Hyrcanus and his brother Aristobulus II that lasted four years, until the Roman general Pompey intervened. Pompey then conquered Jerusalem but left the powers of Yehohanan Hyrcanus as high Priest intact. From this time onward, the Romans took an active hand in the political affairs of Judea. One of John Hyrcanus chief advisors was Antipater the Idumean who saw that his own son Herod was eventually installed on the throne after the death of Hyrcanus in 40 B.C. Origin: Syria Circa: 300 AD to 400 AD Dimensions: 25.55" (64.9cm) high Catalogue: V8 Collection: Biblical Style: Late Roman Period Medium: Basalt   « Less

Since man first began to draw on cave walls, the bull has been an object of veneration and admiration. Throughout history this noble animal has been a favored offering to the  More »

Since man first began to draw on cave walls, the bull has been an object of veneration and admiration. Throughout history this noble animal has been a favored offering to the most powerful of gods, or even worshipped as a god itself. In this small votive amulet, the artist has captured the muscular beauty of the creature, shown him proud, a little defiant, made him into a worthy gift that should bring much favor. - (Z.0025)Origin: Beit Mirsim, Israel Circa: 1500 BC to 1250 BC Dimensions: 2.125" (5.4cm) high x 1" (2.5cm) wide Catalogue: V1 Collection: Biblical Style: Late Bronze Age Medium: Bronze   « Less

it is a little difficult to discern the exact identity of this quadruped: it is most likely a sheep or a horse. It hardly seems to matter, for its naive energy and lack of  More »

it is a little difficult to discern the exact identity of this quadruped: it is most likely a sheep or a horse. It hardly seems to matter, for its naive energy and lack of specific details add to its appeal. Such animals were probably turned out in great numbers near temple sites to be offered as gifts to the local deities. Holding its simple form today, we wonder who it was first set it upon the altar and what they dared ask for in return. - (Z.0077)Origin: Beir Ulla, Hebron, Israel Circa: 1200 BC to 600 BC Dimensions: 1.875" (4.8cm) high x .875" (2.2cm) wide Catalogue: V1 Collection: Biblical Style: Iron Age Medium: Bronze   « Less