As in many ancient societies, jewellery was an important social marker used to demonstrate wealth and richness. In Ancient Greek culture jewellery was worn in everyday life but was also buried with the decease as part of his or her funerary outfit. Jewellery might have been enriched by precious and semi-precious stones and decorative motives would have included popular myths, gods, goddesses, and heroes. Earrings such as these became very popular from the 6th century BC onwards and thicker models have been found also in the Greek colonies of south Italy. The most common models included many zoomorphic heads, such as bulls’, lions’, goats’ heads and dolphins, and depiction of gods and goddesses. Jewellery such as this was crafted for everyday use, instead of being destined exclusively to a funerary purpose.
Greek Hellenistic Gold Hoop Earrings with Eros
$1,368.35
A finely rendered matching pair of Greek Hellenistic gold earrings, each formed from a circular wire hoop, which tapers towards one end and features the depiction of Eros, the Greek god of love. The figure of the winged child-Eros is crafted with hands on his hips and a sash across his chest. The sash, presumably used so he can carry his quiver, is the usual attribute of Eros on Greek jewellery and artistic production, and has been here rendered through a series of gold granules. A small daisy-like flower rests just above the deity’s head. Daisy-like ornaments and fillers were a popular decorative motif seen on many examples of fine Hellenistic jewellery.
Provenance: From an Essex collection of a collector, bought from an early 1990’s collection
Condition: Extremely fine condition. These earrings are suitable for modern wear with modern hook or stud applied. Please consult a professional jeweller for any alterations.
SOLD
| Weight | 4.2 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 1.8 cm |
| Culture | |
| Greek Mythology | |
| Metal | |
| Region |