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LOT 0047
Greek Floral Diadem
4TH CENTURY BC
7 1/2" (35 grams, 19cm).
A gold diadem comprising an undulating band with repoussé domes, applied cinquefoils, leaves and berries (hips); pierced finial lobes; probably representing the tundra rose (Dasiphora fruticosa).
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a respected gentleman, assembled between 1965-2018.
LiteratureSee Despini, A. Greek Art. Ancient Gold Jewellery, Athens, 1996 for discussion.
FootnotesDiadems in the Greek world are most often encountered in funerary contexts where an ornate sheet-gold band could be placed on the brow of the deceased as part of the preparation of the body for burial. The original forms of these mortuary ornaments were made of fabric but sheet-gold alternatives were adopted by the wealthier families. The earliest examples bore embossed geometric ornament, while gold rosettes were adopted from contemporary fashion where they were applied to fabric headbands (stephane). In time, the repertoire of plants represented expanded to include lotus blossoms, palmettes and other ornamental flora.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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3rd century BC
Lot No. 0048 Opening bid: £2,700
