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19th Century Bronze Figure Playing Knucklebones

Name: 19th Century Bronze Figure Playing Knucklebones
SKU: as1016a312
Price: 595.00 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

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This is a fine quality late 19th century bronze of a girl playing knucklebones. She is seated on the ground wearing a chiton, a form of clothing worn by the Ancient Greeks, which has slipped to expose her right shoulder and breast. It is a copy after the antique statue discovered in 1832 which is on display in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. There is a similar sculpture in the British Museum and though the girl is shown in the same pose she appears to be a little older.

Though unsigned it is most likely French in origin.

This composition of a girl playing knucklebones had symbolic significance in Ancient Greece. The girl is placing herself in the hands of chance, a reference to fate and the gods that preside over it. The young girl destined to be a wife is placing herself in the hands of Aphrodite, a divinity who became more and more important from the 4th century BC onward. Indeed, the "Aphrodite throw," where each knucklebone fell on a different side, was the best throw. Similarly, a girl waiting to be married was sometimes named philastragale, which means "loving knucklebones."

Dimensions: Height - 18cm Length - 19.5cm Width - 13.5cm
Weight 2.8 kg

Condition: The bronze is in exceptional condition with a lovely colour and patina. The interior cavity of the bronze plinth is filled with plaster.

Postage & packing: £10 within the UK

Price

£~~595.00~~

$~~788.79~~ USA

€~~692.94~~

The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 16/APR/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.

Shipping information

We have a trusted delivery man who is a experienced in transporting antiques, pictures and fragile items. He can deliver to most places on mainland England and Wales and, depending on where he is on his schedule, it may take a few days or up to 4 weeks. Other couriers are available for Scotland and North Wales or where a shorter time frame is required. Purchases can also be collected in person from the Tunbridge Wells area in SE England.

Period Late 19th Century Antiques Material Bronze Origin French Item code as1016a312 Status Sold

SellerTorr Antiques & Decorative Arts

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Torr Antiques & Decorative Arts