A bust of a Sasanian King, perhaps Shapur II (AD 310-379). 

VANCOUVER.- An intriguing range of a fine selection Sasanian silver objects, international art, period furniture, estate jewellery, Asian art and ceramics make up the 571-auction lots for a rare daytime sale at Maynards next Wednesday, June 19. Starting at 11:00 a.m., the auction is expected to be popular with younger collectors, since many of the lots have an estimated price point of $3,000 or under. 

Maynards is proud to feature objects from the collection of the late philanthropist and prominent Iranian business man, Mr. Habib Sabet. After seven of his Jade antique pieces made dramatics six-figure record-breaking sales in March, the Sabet family returns with 14 different antiques from two prestigious Persian Dynasties, namely the Sassanian Dynasty and the Achaemenid Dynasty, that ruled an area from the Euphrates river to Bactria from the 3rd century A.D. until the Islamic conquest in the seventh century, controlling the silk road for much of that time. The Persian antiques represent various royal dignities and courtly love within the two Persian dynasties and are made of silver with mercury lining. 

Key highlights of Sabet’s collection include:

• Lot 197: Anchaemenid silver rhyton goblet valued $4,000-$6,000

• Lot 201: Large dish depicting scenes of kingly prowess valued $5,000 to $7,000

• Lot 202: Magnificent large Achaemenid figure of a winged bull valued $8,000 to $10,000

• Lot 203: Bust of a Sasanian King, thought to be Shapur II (A.D. 310-379) valued $8,000 to $10,000 

In addition to Sabet’s Persian collection, the auction will also feature a notable pair of Kenyan rhinoceros horns, shot in Kenya in 1906, by Robert F. Keeling, and mounted by Richard Ward of Picadilly London in 1964, while such trades were still legal. The Kenyan horns are valued between $80,000 to $90,000. They are 11 ¼ inches in length and six inches wide. 

One of the largest and possibly most eye-catching lot up for bid is the lifelike replica of the HMS Royal William ship. Vancouver-based model-enthusiast, Victor Jankovic, dedicated six years of his life to build the 1/32 scale model-ship and has this year decided to part with the masterpiece. 

Eight feet long, six feet tall, 17 inches wide and 45 pounds in weight, the model-ship barely fits through a doorway and takes two people to move it anywhere. It is a fully “functioning” model-ship that sails in water; realistic enough to merge within its surroundings. Although some may argue it is better suited for display only, given the logistical challenges associated with its size and finesse. It has an estimated value of $9,000 to $12,000. 

An Achaemenid silver rhyton goblet in the form of a kneeling ram.  

the trumpet form cup with raised decoration of fruiting vines and flowers. height: 12 in. (30.5 cm) - Estimate $ 4,000-6,000

Note: A similar Achaemenid rhyton of animalistic form can be seen in the Metropolitan Museum, NY

Provenance: Part of the collection of the late Habib Sabet. 

Other Notes: This group purchased in Iran, London and New York in the last century represent royal personages and courtly effects of the Sassanian and Achaemenid Dynasties that ruled an area from the Euphrates river to Bactria from the 3rd century A.D. until the Islamic conquest in the seventh century, controlling the silk road for much of that time. 
The true age and origin of these pieces has been open to academic research and investigation and little is known about this early period of Iranian history. http://auctions.maynardsfineart.com

A large dish depicting scenes of kingly prowess. 

in silver and mercury gilding with a central enthroned figure, possibly Bahram II, flanked by supporters and having lions at his feet.diameter: 17 3/4 in. (45 cm) - Estimate $ 5,000-7,000

Note: Shaheishah Bahram II reigned from 276 - 293 AD and is recognized from coins by his winged crown.

Provenance: Part of the collection of the late Habib Sabet. 

Other Notes: This group purchased in Iran, London and New York in the last century represent royal personages and courtly effects of the Sassanian and Achaemenid Dynasties that ruled an area from the Euphrates river to Bactria from the 3rd century A.D. until the Islamic conquest in the seventh century, controlling the silk road for much of that time. 
The true age and origin of these pieces has been open to academic research and investigation and little is known about this early period of Iranian history. http://auctions.maynardsfineart.com

A magnificent large Achaemenid figure of a winged bull.

the mythic beast depicted sitting with his legs folded beneath him, he is seated upon a rectangular base decorated in relief with lion and flowers. 16 1/2 in. h. x 23 in. l. x 7 in. w. (42 x 58.5 x 18 cm) - Estimate $ 8,000-10,000

Note: Winged bulls appear throughout the Middle East often as gate guardians with human heads. See the frieze depicting a winged bull in the Apadana Palace Iran.

Provenance: Part of the collection of the late Habib Sabet. 

Other Notes: This group purchased in Iran, London and New York in the last century represent royal personages and courtly effects of the Sassanian and Achaemenid Dynasties that ruled an area from the Euphrates river to Bactria from the 3rd century A.D. until the Islamic conquest in the seventh century, controlling the silk road for much of that time. 
The true age and origin of these pieces has been open to academic research and investigation and little is known about this early period of Iranian history. http://auctions.maynardsfineart.com

A bust of a Sasanian King, perhaps Shapur II (AD 310-379). 

silver with mercury gilding, raised from a sheet of silver with chased and repousse details. The bearded King wears lobed earrings and wears a typical crenelated crown with striated orb mounted in a gilt crescent. height: 19 3/4 in. (50 cm) - Estimate $ 8,000-10,000

Note: A similar bust is held in the Metropolitan Museum NY gallery 405.

Provenance: Part of the collection of the late Habib Sabet. 

Other Notes: This group purchased in Iran, London and New York in the last century represent royal personages and courtly effects of the Sassanian and Achaemenid Dynasties that ruled an area from the Euphrates river to Bactria from the 3rd century A.D. until the Islamic conquest in the seventh century, controlling the silk road for much of that time. 
The true age and origin of these pieces has been open to academic research and investigation and little is known about this early period of Iranian history. http://auctions.maynardsfineart.com

A plate depicting a King hunting rams. 

silver with mercury gilding. This theme is a common symbol on Sasanian plates given as gifts to neighbouring courts to display the prowess of the subject, in this case possibly Peroz or Kavad I. diameter: 13 1/4 in. (34 cm) - Estimate $ 4,000-6,000

Note: A similar plate is held at the Metropolitan Museum NY gallery 405.

Provenance: Part of the collection of the late Habib Sabet. 

Other Notes: This group purchased in Iran, London and New York in the last century represent royal personages and courtly effects of the Sassanian and Achaemenid Dynasties that ruled an area from the Euphrates river to Bactria from the 3rd century A.D. until the Islamic conquest in the seventh century, controlling the silk road for much of that time. 
The true age and origin of these pieces has been open to academic research and investigation and little is known about this early period of Iranian history. http://auctions.maynardsfineart.com

An Achaemenid silver bowl raised upon a conical foot. 

the bowl with raised fig form ovals and having three snarling lion head handles. the rim diameter: 7 1/2 in. (19 cm) - Estimate $ 4,000-6,000

Note: For an Achaemenid silver phiale of similar decoration, see Christie's Dec 11th 2003 Lot 120.

Provenance: Part of the collection of the late Habib Sabet. 

Other Notes: This group purchased in Iran, London and New York in the last century represent royal personages and courtly effects of the Sassanian and Achaemenid Dynasties that ruled an area from the Euphrates river to Bactria from the 3rd century A.D. until the Islamic conquest in the seventh century, controlling the silk road for much of that time. 
The true age and origin of these pieces has been open to academic research and investigation and little is known about this early period of Iranian history. http://auctions.maynardsfineart.com

A lobed dish decorated in relief with female figures. 

silver with mercury gilding, the sides with panels of lions and rams with bands of flowers. width: 12 1/4 in. (31 cm) - Estimate $ 5,000-7,000

Note: A lobed bowl of this type from the 6th/7th century can be found in the Hermitage Museum collection, St. Petersburg

Provenance: Part of the collection of the late Habib Sabet. 

Other Notes: This group purchased in Iran, London and New York in the last century represent royal personages and courtly effects of the Sassanian and Achaemenid Dynasties that ruled an area from the Euphrates river to Bactria from the 3rd century A.D. until the Islamic conquest in the seventh century, controlling the silk road for much of that time. 
The true age and origin of these pieces has been open to academic research and investigation and little is known about this early period of Iranian history. http://auctions.maynardsfineart.com

A fine female bust depicted with a pair of earrings below coiffured hair. 

silver with mercury gilding. height: 11 in. (28 cm) - Estimate $ 5,000-7,000

Note: A marble bust of Queen Musa, wife of Phraates IV of Parthia held in the National Museum of Iran shows similar stylistic features.

Provenance: Part of the collection of the late Habib Sabet. 

Other Notes: This group purchased in Iran, London and New York in the last century represent royal personages and courtly effects of the Sassanian and Achaemenid Dynasties that ruled an area from the Euphrates river to Bactria from the 3rd century A.D. until the Islamic conquest in the seventh century, controlling the silk road for much of that time. 
The true age and origin of these pieces has been open to academic research and investigation and little is known about this early period of Iranian history. http://auctions.maynardsfineart.com