Central / Western Asia, Bactrian Empire, ca. 1st millennium BCE. Absolute stunning lidded jar comprised of painstakingly carved and polished agate two-part jar created from a breathtaking banded agate. A small bird adorns the lid and base while a 70% gold (equivalent to 15K+) roundel/applique adorns the lid. The applique features a low relief Phoenix with wings outspread, feet beneath appearing as if it is either landing or getting ready to alight. Small stippled dots throughout the field complete the scene. The gold was applied to the lid using three tiny rivets that pierce the lid itself. Size: 2.75" W x 1.25" H (7 cm x 3.2 cm); gold quality: 70% (equivalent to 15K+) Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #139538