Byzantine Gold Hair Ornament with Earrings and Original Chain

6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.

3 in. (26.35 grams, 77 cm long).

The chain composed of gussetted sheet-gold links interspersed with filigree-framed medallions embossed with facing busts; the chain attached to the penannular earring hoops by openwork filigree pendants with pearl drops, two further pearl drops to the hoops.

Provenance

Acquired from Fred Leighton, New York, ca.1982.
Important North West London collection.

Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11047-184615.

Literature

See Niederle, L., Příspěvky k vývoji byzantských šperků ze IV. - X. Století (Contributions to the development of Byzantine jewellery from the IV. - 10th century,), Praha, 1930; Baldini Lippolis, I., L’oreficeria nell’Impero di Costantinopoli fra il IV e il VII secolo (Goldsmithing in the Empire of Constantinople between the 4th and 7th centuries), Bari, 1999, figs.1 (treasure of Pantalica); p.132, no.4 (treasure of Reggio Emilia).

Footnotes

The characters within the medallions, derived from the imagines clipeatae and possibly representing unbearded dignitaries (eunuchs?) clad in their court cloak, are typical of the 7th century. This suggests the possibility that the chain belonged to an aristocratic woman.

CONDITION

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LOT 0186