Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0052
Parthian Gold and Garnet Earrings
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 1/4 in. (9.6 grams total, 57 mm each).
A matched pair of gold earrings each a hinged hoop with lateral teardrop cells set with cabochon garnets and disc cells to the apex with similar; bulbous central section with filigree and granulation detailing, cells with lapis lazuli and garnet cloisons; attached with four vertical filigree stringers to a stepped octahedral lower section with applied bosses and pearl seed-beads, granule cluster finial. [2]
Provenance
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11609-199711.
Literature
Cf. Marshall, F.H., Catalogue of the Jewellery, Greek, Etruscan and Roman, in the Department of Antiquities, British Museum, London, 1911, item 2587, for type.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0052
Parthian Gold and Garnet Earrings
Estimate £2,500 - 3,500€2,900 - 4,060 (for guidance only)$3,380 - 4,730 (for guidance only)
RELATED LOTS
-
Large Greek Hydria with Egg-and-Dart Motifs
Early 5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £9,525
A spectacular bronze hydria composed of a tapering body, broad shoulder and waisted neck, the everted rim decorated with egg-and-dart motifs, three round-section handles and tiered, ogival foot; professionally restored. 4.7 kg, 39.5 cm
Fine condition, professionally restored. A spectacular display piece.
Acquired circa 1989-1990. Private collection of N.A., Niedersachsen. Accompanied by an original French cultural passport number 226773 dated 3 June 2021. 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 no.11306-190969.
Whilst such vessels were originally produced for holding water, hydriai were often re-purposed. From the 5th century B.C. onwards, they also had a funerary function, used in the cult of the dead and the underworld. Appearing as grave deposits, they were sometimes used as funerary urns, receptacles for the ashes of the deceased (see the MET hydria from Galaxidi, found with the bones still inside). Hydriai were also commonly associated with rituals relating to the cults of the gods. They have been found in temples and public buildings and have been recorded as prizes in athletic games. It has also been suggested that the more lavish examples were gifted to brides. -
Greek Stone Head of a Female
4th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
A carved stone head modelled with semi-naturalistic facial features and dressed hair falling down the neck in tight curls. 4.2 kg, 17 cm high
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11613-198981. -
Hellenistic Gold Amphora Pendant Inlaid with Gemstones
2nd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
A gold amphora-shaped pendant composed of strip-twist volute handles, spool-shaped neck, piriform body and plinth style foot, body decorated with deep geometric cells inlaid with vibrant lapis lazuli, turquoise and possibly glass paste; suspension loop over mouth; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 6.96 grams, 33 mm (16 grams total, 49 mm including stand)
Fine condition.
with Sotheby's, New York, 12 June 2001, lot 230 (US$10,000-$15,000). Property of a London gentleman. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Sotheby's catalogue pages.