6,000 Years of Jewelry Arrives for New York Unveiling, June 6 –July 29, After Stunning Geneva Premiere

—Collection showcases craftsmanship from antiquity that surpasses modern techniques—

NEW YORK, May 23, 2005 – Phoenix Ancient Art, one of the world's leading dealers in rare and high quality antiquities from Western civilizations, today announced that its latest exhibit, "6000 Years of Jewels: Fine Metalwork and Jewelry from Antiquity," will be displayed at the company’s Manhattan gallery. The exhibit will open to the public on June 7, and be available for viewing until July 29.

Prior to arriving in New York, the collection was displayed at Phoenix Ancient Art’s gallery in Geneva, Switzerland, where it garnered rave reviews. The Tribune de Genève, Geneva’s main daily newspaper, called the exhibition “Geneva’s exhibition of the year.”

Featuring 100 breathtaking pieces dating from approximately the 4th millennium B.C. to the 13th century A.D, and ranging in price from $2,200 upward, the exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse at the superb tradition of ancient metalwork and jewelry. Originating from cultures throughout Western civilization—including Spain, Germany, Central Europe, the Balkans, Greece and Rome, Anatolia, the Levant and Mesopotamia—the pieces showcase various artistic styles and impeccable craftsmanship.

“The ancient techniques created by these designers are virtually impossible for today’s jewelers to recreate, even with modern technology,” said Hicham Aboutaam, co-founder of Phoenix Ancient Art. “It’s a testament to the genius and accomplishments of ancient artists that we are still admiring their creations thousands of years later.”

The collection presents an intriguing display of how the various civilizations used different metallurgic techniques to great effect. One striking theme is the reverence for precious materials, such as gold, silver and precious stones. Pieces from antiquity accented with sapphires, carnelian, agate, sardonyx, emeralds and natural pearls are also found, serving as testament to ancient tastes for wealth and luxury.

The exhibit displays a variety of wearable items—including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets—such as a gold torque necklace made from a hammered bar of gold originating from Western Europe in the 2nd millennium B.C. The necklace’s simple, linear design is strikingly contemporary and is sure to resonate strongly with fans of a more modern aesthetic.

Vessels are also prominently featured, including a magnificent 5th - 4th century B.C. Greek silver rhyton with fluted body and a gilt lion’s head protome, and a Hellenistic Greek gold cup with scenes of fishermen in repoussé from the 2nd – 1st century B.C.

Also included are figures of gods, including a Classical Greek gold ring with an incredibly fine engraved figure of a young Hercules.

Located at 47 East 66th Street in Manhattan, the gallery will be open to the public Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. Private appointments can be made by calling (212) 288-7518.

ABOUT PHOENIX ANCIENT ART

With galleries in New York City and Geneva, Switzerland, Phoenix Ancient Art (www.phoenixancientart.com) is one of the world's leading dealers in rare and exquisite antiquities from cultures that make up the essence of Western Civilization. Its works of art have been purchased by world-class museums around the world, as well as by private individuals. Formally incorporated in 1995, Phoenix Ancient Art is a second-generation family business that was founded by Sleiman Aboutaam in 1968 and continues today under the leadership of his sons, Ali and Hicham Aboutaam.

Phoenix Ancient Art, 6, rue Verdaine, Geneva,
Tel.: 022 318.80.10
Web site: www.phoenixancientart.com

Open from Monday to Friday from 10:30 to 6:30PM
Till June 3.

Above image: Rython [Drinking flask] Spout. Gilded silver, Greece, 5th - 4th Century BC. (DR)