Sands of Time Ancient Art

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Sands of Time Ancient Art Fascinating DC gallery in historic Georgetown, specializing in ancient art from 3000 BC - 500 AD FREE USA SHIPPING!

SANDS OF TIME offer genuine Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Holy Land, and Mesopotamian antiquities for sale, guaranteed authentic. Step back in time when you view our online gallery and the explore the fascinating art of the ancient world.

10/30/2026

Timeless elegance is a reflection of your unique story.

Discover the exquisite beauty of our Byzantine Gold Repousee Pendant, dating back to the late 6th to 7th century CE. This stunning piece embodies artistic mastery with its intricate design and rich history, offering an unparalleled charm that elevates any outfit. Wear it to make a statement on special occasions or add a touch of history to your daily ensemble.

Only a few left — seize your chance to own a piece of ancient artistry! $5500$10000

Shop Now https://sandsoftimedc.com/products/rj2612

10/30/2026

Gift Idea of the Day:
A pair of Egyptian Alabaster Ear Plugs, New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, ca. 1550 - 1295 BCE

Buy here: https://sandsoftimedc.com
A fine and rare pair of Egyptian earrings or ear plugs, hand carved from warm, creamy alabaster. Each is formed with a domed, mushroom-shaped head and a short cylindrical post, the softly polished surfaces and balanced proportions reflecting accomplished ancient lapidary skill. Stone examples of this type are quite rare, as most known ear plugs from the New Kingdom were produced in faience or glass. The choice of alabaster, a material valued for its translucence and refinement, strongly suggests elite ownership.

Such ornaments were worn in enlarged ear piercings by members of the upper strata of Egyptian society and functioned as markers of status as much as personal adornment. During the New Kingdom, a period of extraordinary artistic achievement and cultural exchange, personal jewelry played an important role in expressing rank, identity, and access to luxury materials. Despite their modest scale, pieces such as these offer an intimate insight into elite self-presentation and the aesthetics of adornment in ancient Egyptian society.

Medium: Alabaster

Dimensions: Diameter: 3/4 inch (1.9 cm), Length: 1/2 inch (1.27 cm)

Condition: Expected minor loss to the terminals but otherwise in very good overall condition overall with smooth surface patina consistent with age and use. No evident restoration or modern alteration.

Provenance: Alex Malloy private collection, acquired before 1980.

10/29/2026

An Olmec Buffware Bowl (Tecomate), ca. 1000 - 600 BCE
Buy Now! https://sandsoftimedc.com/products/pp2510
This finely made bowl features a full, round shape with a wide mouth. Made of a kaolin-like clay, its walls are thin and burnished to a high gloss. Although undecorated, the pleasing color variation on the outer surface ranges from beige to grey to light brown and orange-red.

These early Olmec bowls typically have a globular shape with a small opening at the top. A potter carefully built the thin-walled vessels using a coil technique with a kaolin-like clay, and finished them with a light-colored slip and burnished the surface, which displays small pitted losses. The vessel type is known as a tecomate (“gourd”), named after the gourds that inspired its original form. Some of the earliest ceramic vessels in Mesoamerica took the form of gourds captured in the more durable material of fired clay. Tecomates were important receptacles for community feasts, and many were subsequently placed in burials as important funerary offerings.

For a related example, see Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number: 2014.244.3 (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/318472)

Further Reading: Benson, Elizabeth P., and Beatriz de la Fuente, eds. Olmec Art of Ancient Mexico. Washington, D.C.: National Gallery of Art, 1996.

Medium: Ceramic

Dimensions: Height: 3 3/8 inches (8.5 cm), Width: 4 1/4 inches (10.8 cm)

Condition: Some expected minor surface pitting that does detract, the vesse is intact and in very good condition. A lovely example.

Provenance: Collection of Samuel Dubiner, Tel Aviv, Israel, acquired in the 1960s, subsequently in the collection of Barry Kernerman, Toronto, Canada, thereafter in a private F...

10/29/2026

Preserve a moment in time with authentic ancient art.

This exquisite Egyptian Feldspar Writing Tablet Amulet, dating back to the Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE, is not just a piece of history—it's a connection to a world rich with culture and wisdom. The unique texture of feldspar and intricate inscriptions evoke a sense of wonder, making it a captivating addition to your home or a thoughtful gift for those who appreciate the timeless allure of ancient artifacts.

Embrace the stories of the past and let this amulet inspire your present. $1000

Shop Now https://sandsoftimedc.com/products/ea2126

10/29/2026

An Attic Black Figure Eye Lekythos, Classical Period, ca. 6th century BCE
Buy Now! https://sandsoftimedc.com/products/gp2613
An Attic black-figure lekythos with a flaring, cup-shaped mouth, narrow neck, sloping shoulder, cylindrical body tapering toward a circular foot, and a single vertical strap handle. The body is decorated with a dancing maenad moving to the right with her head turned back, her hair bound with a fillet, wearing a long dress with a himation draped over her arms. The figure is flanked by two large apotropaic eyes, each with a circular pupil outlined by concentric lines, with a dotted vine tendril in the field and stylized vine leaves on the shoulder.

The combination of the dancing maenad and large apotropaic eyes reflects the Dionysian imagery popular in Attic vase painting during the late sixth century BCE. Maenads, the female followers of Dionysus, were frequently depicted dancing in ecstatic celebration, while the large eyes were traditionally believed to ward off evil influences.

Medium: Ceramic

Dimensions: Height: 5 1/2 inches (14 cm), Width: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

Condition: Reassembled. The neck has been reattached with some associated inpainting, and a hole in the wall of the body has been professionally infilled and repainted for aesthetic reintegration. Surface wear and areas of glaze loss consistent with age.

Provenance: J.K. private collection, Sarasota, acquired from the NY trade.

10/29/2026

Discover a treasure from the past that tells a story like no other.

This stunning Moche terracotta stirrup-spout vessel, crafted circa 300 - 500 CE, features a seated dignitary, capturing the essence of ancient artistry. With intricate details and a warm, earthy texture, it’s not just a piece of history but a captivating conversation starter for your home. Imagine displaying this remarkable artifact, allowing it to inspire awe and inspire curiosity among your guests.

Bring the legacy of the Moche civilization into your space and embrace the elegance of ancient art. $1000$5000

Shop Now https://sandsoftimedc.com/products/pp2415

10/29/2026

A Moche Terracotta Stirrup-Spout Vessel Depicting a Seated Dignitary, Moche II, ca. 300 - 500 CE
Buy Now! https://sandsoftimedc.com/products/pp2415
A Moche terracotta stirrup-spout vessel depicting a seated dignitary or chief, portrayed in a formal, frontal pose upon a rectangular, tiered throne. The figure is characterized by broad, angular facial features, large almond-shaped eyes, a prominent nose, and a small, firmly set mouth. He wears a headdress formed of overlapping bands wrapped around the forehead, with large ear ornaments framing the face. Around his neck is a broad, segmented collar composed of several concentric bands. His arms are bent at the elbows, with both hands resting upon his knees, while his lower body is enveloped in a garment extending across the raised platform.

Medium: Teracotta

Dimensions: Height: 6 3/8 inches (16.2 cm), Width: 4 inches (10 cm)

Condition: Intact and in very good condition, with minor scattered surface wear and weathering, particularly to the spout. Traces of reddish-mauve and cream pigmentation remain.

Provenance: Collection of Nancy and John Hyde Devoe, New York City and New Jersey, assembled between the 1950s and 1970s, thereafter in a Long Island, New York, private collection.

Discover a piece of history that speaks volumes!  This exquisite Roman Gold Ring, adorned with a tactile carnelian intag...
10/29/2026

Discover a piece of history that speaks volumes!

This exquisite Roman Gold Ring, adorned with a tactile carnelian intaglio of Socrates, is not just a jewel, but a testament to ancient artistry. Crafted during the Roman Imperial Period, its warm hue and intricate detailing bring timeless elegance to any outfit, letting you wear a slice of intellectual heritage. Perfect for special occasions or adding a touch of sophistication to your daily wear, this ring will undoubtedly boost your confidence and spark conversation.

Act quickly—this unique treasure won’t last long! $5500$10000

Shop Now https://sandsoftimedc.com/products/rj2613

Address

1010 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Ste 340
Washington D.C., DC
20007

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+12023420518

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