Western Asiatic Double Drop Golden Earrings

£ 595.00

A simple, yet very elegant pair of finely modelled golden earrings from the ancient region of Bactria. Composed of an S hoop for wearing, which then separates into two gold wires where two small granules are attached on the sides, these earrings are further embellished by a pair of cones terminating in plain domes, resembling teardrops. A highly wearable set of elegant ancient earrings. Weight: 2.02 g.

Date: Circa 3rd-2nd Millennium BC.
Provenance: From an important collection of a Japanese gentlemen, deceased, 1970-2015.
Condition: Very fine. Suitable for modern wear with care.

SOLD

Product Code: NES-76
Category: Tag:

Many grand civilizations inhabited the area of Western Asia in Antiquity, and their wealth and prosperity are witnessed by the very sophisticated precious metal crafting of jewellery. Gold would have been hammered down to a thin layer and manipulated into different shapes. Gold and silver jewellery would have featured gold granules, glass and semi-precious stone inlays and detailed engravings. Very fine granulation, as we can see on this item, along with filigree, were at the centre of Near Eastern and Western Asiatic jewellery production and were later adopted by the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans.

To discover more about jewellery in the Ancient World, please visit our relevant post: Jewellery in Antiquity.

Dimensions H 2.2 cm
Region

Near East (Western Asiatic)

Metal

Gold

Reference: For a similar item, Christie’s, 13th December 2013, Auction 2771, Lot 2013.

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