LONDON.- A rare and impressive 5th century BC Celtic bronze beaked flagon leads Bonhams next Antiquities sale in London on 30 September. It is estimated at £70,000-90,000.

Its appearance on the market coincides with a major exhibition of Celtic art opening at the British Museum in late September.

The flagon is one of the only examples in private hands and this is a rare opportunity to acquire a Celtic masterpiece comparable to those exhibited at the British Museum itself. Celtic art has a unique and distinct style that makes it particularly appealing and Bonhams are excited to offer such an exceptional survivor from this important period in European pre-history.

The beaked flagon would have been used for pouring wine, beer or mead at feasts and it is easy to appreciate the luxury that this elegant piece emanates. It was modelled on the shapes used by the Etruscans but decorated with typical local Celtic motifs on the spout and handles, giving an interesting insight into the multi-cultural aspects of the Iron Age.

Although it is difficult to pinpoint its exact place of origin, a very similar vessel known as the Kleinaspergle flagon was found at Hohenasperg, near Stuttgart, among a group of drinking vessels in a princely tomb. The tomb was typical of the early La Tène culture which predominated in a region roughly corresponding with modern day France, Belgium and Germany between the fifth century BC and the Roman conquest in the first century BC.

Bonhams Head of Antiquities, Madeleine Perridge, commenting on the flagon, said: “Very few of these impressive artefacts have survived. The sophisticated decoration on the flagons and their presence in tombs of the aristocracy suggest they were as highly prized then as they are today.”