Ancient Greek Hellenistic Gold, Agate, Garnet and Faience Amphora Pendant

£650.00

A fine Greek pendant in the shape of an amphora featuring delicate metalwork. Two gold S-curved handles have been applied to the sides of the gold cylinder imitating the neck of the amphora. A stack of a white and orange banded agate, an oblong garnet and a small turquoise faience disc make up the body of the amphora and are held in place by a gold pin. An additional loop has been later added in antiquity to the top for suspension.

Date: Circa 2nd-1st Century BC
Provenance: Ex Japanese gentleman deceased collection, 1970-2010
Condition: Fine condition, encrustation visible to the surface, suitable for modern wear with care. Lower part of one of the amphora handles is now missing.

SOLD

SKU: SK-06 Category: Tag:

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 deceased 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. Jewellery such as this beautiful miniature pendant was crafted and intended for everyday use, instead of being destined exclusively for a funerary purpose.

To discover more on ancient metalwork, please see our relevant blog post: Decorative  Metalwork Techniques

Weight 1.27 g
Dimensions L 2 cm
Culture

Faience

Metal

Semi-Precious Stones

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Region

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