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LOT 0059
Greek Gold Earrings with Amphora Drops
CIRCA 2ND CENTURY B.C.
2 - 2 1/4 in. (14.28 grams total, 52-57 mm).
Each composed of a tiered discoid head with polished garnet inlays in claw settings, filigree to the outer perimeter, tapering hook to reverse and three dangles below, the central one formed as an amphora with scrolled handles, three polished garnet cabochons to the equator and a garnet bead to base; flanked by two lotus or bud-shaped charms on short lengths of chain. [2]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970-2010.
From the collection of a late Japanese gentleman.
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 95.15.203, 95.15.204, for a similar pair dated 2nd century B.C.
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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Graeco-Roman Megarian Terracotta Cup with Nymphs
2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Hemispherical in form with decoration in relief featuring fluting alternating with nymphs and symbols beneath an architectural border, cracked and chipped. 257 grams, 11.9 cm wide
Private Dutch collection, 1970-2010. Ex private Dutch collection, 2010-2018.
The term ‘Megarian’ bowl applied to this type of pottery is a modern convention for academic purposes. The name ‘Megarian’ was first given to this type of mould-made relief bowl in the late 19th century, because some of the first known examples were said to have come from the city of Megara. In reality, such terracotta items originated in Athens in the 3rd quarter of the 3rd century BC, and from that point were made in all major Greek cities for the duration of the Hellenistic period and into the Roman, especially in Alexandria. This relief-decorated pottery became more popular than painted pottery during the Hellenistic period. This class of hemispherical bowl was made in moulds and was characterised by decoration imitating metallic beakers. When the finished bowl was taken from the mould, it was probably dipped in varnish or dull paint and fired. According to Prof. P.V.C. Baur, the stamps used for making moulds were not produced in every manufacturing centre of ‘Megarian’ bowls, but were made only in important centres such as Athens, Pergamon, Antioch and Alexandria, and sold to potters throughout the Hellenistic world. The fact that the edge of the bowl is turned outwards suggests Athenian production, and a comparison with the decorative petals on the Delian Cup (no.1913.199 of the Rebecca Darlington collection) is also plausible. -
Hellenistic Bronze Ring with Horse Motif
Circa 2nd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Displayed in relief on a broad elliptical bezel. 2.16 grams, 20.95 mm overall, 18.48 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. -
Greek Gold Eros Earrings
3rd-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Composed of tapering penannular hoops with figural plaque, discoid plaque above. 2.01 grams total, 18-20 mm
Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
