CYPRIOT Greek FIGURE Nude MALE Statue TERRACOTTA Cyprus ANCIENT Cypriote Chypre HELLENISTIC Asia Minor MYRINA C Start Price USD 1,390.00 Current Price USD 1,390.00 Time Left 24 days 1 hours 54 minutes Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, September 17, 2008 End Time Tuesday, December 16, 2008 Location Read complete AD and TERMS OF SALE - 89107zip See more about 'CYPRIOT Greek FIGURE Nude MALE Statue TERRACOTTA Cyprus' Description Apologies for missing photos, but my original host cancelled ALL photo services .. so I have had to try out new services; and it is going more slowly than I am comfortable with .. never realized how efficient my old service was ;-)) Note to International Buyers Due to eBay's new policies I have had to make adjustments to my international selling practices.Please read the Terms-of-Sale, following the description, that apply to international transactionsInternational buyers are welcome to email me with any questions. NOTE: S/H/DC, for this item, by USPS priority mail, to USA postal Territories, is FREE Faster shipping by  Express mail -- and ALL INTERNATIONAL shipping -- will incur a charge ....  Please ASQInsurance is additional & required regardless of any eBay preprogrammed inserts A WONDERFUL ancient TERRACOTTA of a BEGGAR circa 300 BC - 100 AD He is beautiful -- despite his sad plight -- exquisite of form and face An absolutely fascinating small terracotta depicting a beggar beggarman whose plight irresistably pulls at the heartstrings.   I acquired this piece in Cyprus in the early 1960's (legally), but no site information.   Several experts in the field of antiquities have examined this fine miniature -- either in hand or in multiple photos.  ALL are sure it is a genuine authentic antiquity. Refer:  "GREEK TERRACOTTAS" by R.A. Higgins - The British Museum, Dept of Greek & Roman Antiquities Throughout history (terracotta) miniatures have always represented the everyday life of the common people -- household deities, fashionable ladies, babies with nurses, actors and other professions, animals, toys, etc. In the Hellenistic period these were left in sanctuaries and graves as offerings to the gods; but also may have been used decoratively in Greek homes (just as we do today with our 'knick-knacks'). They tell us a great deal about their life and customs from the cradle to the grave -- their clothing, religious beliefs, amusements, even the diseases they may have suffered. That this is the work of a true artist is unquestioned.  The perfect depiction of his poor status thru the expression / emotion shown on the face, and the detailed body form.  This sculptor was skilled.  Even the measurements -- an almost perfect 3 inch (7 cm) cube -- attest to his talent.   Precise balanced measurements like this are no accident.  The artist knew exactly how to achieve the effect of the pathetic plight of this beggar.  PLEASE VIEW THE PHOTOS .... As noted, the perimeter measurements all around are approximately 3" +/-.   The left arm and right leg have been broken and reattached.  The last 2 fingers of the right uplifted hand are missing (old loss).  There is a small flake off the nose.  There is encrustation / deposits -- which I unintentionally exaggerated when I tried to 'sharpen' the photos (my camera is not top of the line unfortunately). READ ON, AND SEE WHAT HAS BEEN 'UNEARTHED' ABOUT THIS MARVELOUS FIGURE              *********************************************************** Reference:  "GREEK TERRACOTTAS" - by R.A. Higgins - The British Museum, Dept of Greek & Roman Antiquities  Pages 123 - 124 .... Higgins notes that  IN CYPRUS, terracottas of  "the Late Hellenistic phase have much in common with those of Asia Minor, Myrina in particular".   "The standard of workmanship is on the whole high."   "Principle sites where found are Kition (modern Larnaca), Amathus (near Limassol) ,  Curium,  and Salamis".  The clay colours of Cypriote pieces mentioned in this book correspond with the clay of this figurine of a beggar .... and the workmanship is definitely 'high standard'.  To cross-reference and compare with terracottas from Myrina (see pictures below):Pages 112 thru 118 (illustrations pages 54 thru 56) discuss the terracottas found at Myrina, western region of Turkey, Asia Minor  --  [circa  300 B.C. >> 100 A.D.]  --  which "for the most part are of higher craftmanship than other Hellenistic sites in Asia Minor".  Some of the finest terracotta pieces, artistically, are by an "unknown" craftsman whose collective work of signature quality was studied and documented by Dorothy Thompson (ref: Boston Museum of Fine Arts -- 117 terracotta miniatures).                      An illustration from the book "The Art of Cyprus" by Spiteris -- which I have listed.  NOTE the similarity to the 'mouth' and other features.   This picture was forwarded to me by a collector .... it is a terracotta figure of an actor'  excavated in Myrina.  NOTE the similarity in facial features of mouth and eyes, with a similar expressiveness in the face and form -- in this case depicting an actor. The evidence indicates this piece is of true Cypriot origin (where it was acquired). However,  one should also consider the similarity to pieces from locations that traded with Cyprus.   It is well documented that for thousands of years Cyprus was the main crossing point of the Eastern Mediterranean - for traders and invading armies alike.  [So, back then, as now, did the political and financial experts / analysts say, "It's all about the copper, stupid" ?   Actually, probably "yes", because for the most part it was, mainly for weapons.  Copper for weapons, and a place to set foot on solid land, rest, and replenish supplies.] Provenance: My personal collection  -- acquired in Cyprus in the early 1960s Exported from Cyprus with permission of the Cyprus Museum of Antiquities in Nicosia Here is a photo of the seal of the Cyprus Museum which was applied to the rope tied around the wooden crate, following inspection by museum, as acknowledgement that I had permission to take these pieces out of the country.   THE SEAL IS NOT INCLUDED with this listed antiquity, and is not for sale separately -- it stays with the other pieces that were packed in the crate, and still in my possession. The picture is for information purposes only for the benefit of the buyer who can research the authenticity of the seal. BUYER WILL RECEIVE A PHOTOCOPY OF THE U.S. CUSTOMS CLEARANCE FORM .... I was given the 'carbon copy';  so buyer will get a photocopy of the carbon (both sides).  Please NOTE: This does NOT include a list of each specific item .... it is a general declaration of the number of boxes / packages I was bringing into U.S.; but it does include date, airline, entry, country of origin, etc. A VERY FINE TERRACOTTA FIGURE TO ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION  Pieces from my collection (some shown here) have sold to collectors, dealers, diplomats, univ personnel, etc. When I first acquired many of these artifacts, it was my intention, when I had the time, to return to the countries and do my own additional research re site-origin and age [based on local geological soil / clay / stone],  coupled with respective archeological documentation. Just my personal curiosity factor; PLUS any excuse to travel. Like many 'best laid plans', it was not to be. SO, I encourage anyone considering the purchase of this figure, or any other antiquity I am selling, to do your own research before bidding. There are many specialty sites on the web which show collections of authentic antiquities (along with info re fakes/reproductions), and include discussion groups, and forums to ask questions. Please check out my other items!       Be sure to add me to your favorites list!                                                 This terracotta figure is guaranteed to be an authentic antiquity within the limits discussed in this listing.   Purchase price  will be refunded ONLY if not authentic.   Buyer must give seller advance notice of intent to return;  and the item must be insured and return-mail-dated to seller within 14 days of delivery,  in exact same condition as sold (print the ad), including all original packing;  and accompanied by a written / signed letter-of-evidence provided on official letterhead by a verifiable licenced expert in this specific field of antiquities .... Refund will be issued only after seller is in receipt of returned item .... NOTE: In re International addresses shipping refunds will be limited to USA rate. If the closing date or time for this auction does not fit in with your personal schedule, may I suggest you consider placing a 'proxy' bid to secure winning this item. No one (not even the seller) can see your top bid. To read more about eBay's proxy bidding features and benefits CLICK HERE - http://pages.ebay.com/help/buy/proxy-bidding.html TERMS OF SALE  --  International listed separately PLEASE REVIEW the ITEM DESCRIPTION and TERMS and ASK QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING -- I will answer within 24 hrs.  I email the winning bidder at EOA with ALL ship/pay options.  Contact within 3 days is appreciated. Payment due/received within 10 days. Items will be combined to save on S/H if applicable .   PAYMENT by money order (postal preferred) ~ cashiers chk ~ pers chk ~ USDpaperLegalTender. Cheques, and some money orders, have a hold of 10 bank bus. days +/-. Other forms of payment, such as e-Chks and bank transfers, may be accepted; but only with pre-bid-approval and at the sole discretion of the seller.  ASK.   NO PayPal.      SHIPPING after payment clears,   1-2 days a wk depending on my schedule.    FEEDBACK,  when posted by buyer on satisfactory receipt of item, links to an auto-responder which then posts your feedback to complete the transaction.   INTERNATIONAL TERMS  --  also read the Terms of Sale (above) Shipping costs will vary based on country of destination -- ASK.  I sell to Canada, UK/Gr Britain, France, Germany, Netherlands, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand, HK, Japan.    However, I will ship to any country under spec. conditions.  Ask BEFORE bidding.    Payment in USD only - Int'l postal money orders ~ m.o. or chqs written on a US bank ~ USDpaperLegalTender ~  NO International PayPal. Some types of Int'l payments may incur an added bank service charge.  ASK. Buyer is responsible for (1) providing clear, complete and accurate address information including any special instructions;  (2) for being in compliance with all destination customs/import regulations;  (3) for paying any fees/duties/taxes/tariffs incurred;  (4) for self-insurance against loss/damage, FOB, when opting out of insured or registered guaranteed USPS mail services.By bidding, you acknowledge that delivery time for items can vary based on country of destination, shipping selected, customs, & all other circumstances outside the control of the seller once the package is in the hands of the postal services. ~~~Thanks for viewing this auction ~~~ NOTE: If you are not receiving my emails, or think you are experiencing "a failure to communicate" in re an auction, check your spam folders.   It may be an ISP spam auto-filter, or your security settings may be too high.    Place a Bid!