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LOT 0531
Large Greek Gold Dolphin Pendant
4TH-2ND CENTURY B.C.
1 3/8 in. (5.81 grams, 36 mm).
The leaping dolphins forming the handles of an amphora-shaped pendant with an agate body; free-running suspension loop; bifacial detailing to the animals.
ProvenanceAcquired 1970-2010.
Collection of a late Japanese gentleman.
Cf. The British Museum, museum number 1904,0706.1, for earrings with very similar elements.
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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Hellenistic Gold Double Boss Brooch
3rd-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £585
Or an attachment, comprising two conjoined conical bosses, each with a central knop and rim with two narrow bands of granulation; to the centre, a delicate granulated lozenge with scrolling details to the upper and lower points; to the reverse, an applied double hook for attachment; Alexandrian. 4.42 grams, 36 mm
UK art market, acquired prior to 1985. -
Greek Zoomorphic Bronze Hydria Handle Attachment
Circa 5th-4th century B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Modelled as a skinned lion's head with fierce facial detailing; made for soldering to an articulated round handle. 98 grams, 51 mm high
Private collection, Germany, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market 2010.
The handles were usually shaped as divinities or animals linked with gods (ie. lions for Herakles). A similar specimen can be seen in the Berlin Museum (inv.7491), from Athens. -
Sarmatian Gold Dress Mount Group
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
Each composed of a sheet-metal disc with central repoussé conical dome, concentric borders of faux strip twist wire; the edge with shallow domes and a sunburst motif, four fastening holes to each element. 14.75 grams total, 63-66 mm wide
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
Ornamental discs of this type decorated the long dresses of Sarmatian princesses, arranged vertically on long garments, on shawls, and on the upper shoulders. They were fixed to the garments through sewing, using the fastening holes.
