Lot 74
Ancient Bronze Dagger or Short Sword
Dimensions

length: 20 1/2 inches

Estimate: $200 - $400

Price Realized: $160
Includes buyer's premium

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About this Lot
Description

Long tapered blade, with a rivet opening on the tang for attachment to a handle

Provenance

Property from the Estate of Rosa and Aaron Esman

Condition

with verdigris oxidation patina, and some minor corrosion, some minor losses

A selection from

The Estate of Rosa and Aaron Esman

Image for Collection The Estate of Rosa and Aaron Esman

Throughout their seventy-year marriage, Rosa and Aaron Esman shared a profound passion for the arts. Rosa Esman was a prominent figure in the art world, owning several renowned galleries such as Tanglewood Gallery and Rosa Esman Gallery, and co-founding Ubu Gallery. She was a pioneer print publisher of limited edition artworks while at Tanglewood Press, Original Editions, and Abrams Original Editions. Dr. Aaron Esman was an avid enthusiast of literature, classical and jazz performances, and theater. As a psychiatrist, he delved deeply into the intricacies of the human mind and its relationship with creativity, often writing on the subject.

Together, the Esmans cultivated a diverse and vibrant collection reflective of their shared and individual interests, comprising Modern, Post-War, and Contemporary art. In the 1960s, they embarked on a journey to build a new collection of world art encompassing African, Ancient, Pre-Columbian, and Oceanic work, continuing to expand it until the 1980s.

In May 2023, a portion of their collection was sold in Sotheby’s Art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas auction. This collection showcased an array of artworks from various regions of Africa, including Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, among others, alongside selections from Oceania and Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. Noteworthy among the sold items was a regal Bamana Antelope Headdress from Mali, fetching $15,240.

Additionally, a Protoclassic circa 100 BC - AD 250 Colima Dog, sourced from the André Emmerich Gallery, sold for $4,445. Some pieces featured in World Art were also purchased from André Emmerich Gallery. Other notable sources include Sotheby Parke-Bernet, the Omar Khayam Museum, and more, enriching the diverse tapestry of the Esman collection.