They cover many disciplines but antiquities are especially popular in Switzerland and the strongest represented area is Classical Antiquities and Egyptian Works of Art.
Fresh from a successful debut at Grosvenor House, antiquities specialist Rupert Wace has already earmarked something special for his stand. This is the monumental Roman marble head, right, of a 1st/2nd century Isis priest priced at £40,000. In the second century AD the goddess Isis cult was widespread in Rome, as demonstrated by the numerous temples throughout the Empire, one of the best preserved in Pompeii.
Another London dealer at Basel who has just enjoyed a highly successful first showing at Grosvenor House is Oriental specialist Ben Janssens, who has set aside for the Swiss fair a Chinese Tang dynasty tripod dish with a central flower motif, similar to pieces in the British Museum and priced at £32,000.
Next stop Basel for the top antiquities
AFTER Grosvenor House, a number of leading dealers’ next major fair is at Basel – Cultura, which will be held from October 13 to 21 at Hall 3 of Messe Basel where some 85 exhibitors from Europe and the US will stand.
