$956.25
In stock
Ancient Near East, Byzantine, possibly Alexandria, ca. 4th century CE. A stunning amphora pendant formed from a banded agate bead with a gold base, shoulder, neck, and handles. Crowned by a gold lid that doubles as a suspension loop, the model vessel features lovely natural bands of white that diversify the dark stone as well as a zigzag gold edge along the shoulder. Traditionally used as a wine vessel, the amphora may be linked to Bacchus (Greek Dionysus), the god of wine-making, fertility, ritual madness, and theatre. A similar pendant can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art under accession number 17.190.1643. A beautiful combination of ancient art and modern style! Size of pendant: 0.6″ W x 1.125″ H (1.5 cm x 2.9 cm); of strand: 17″ L (43.2 cm); weight: 3.9 grams
Condition: Ancient stone and gold pendant strung on modern sterling silver strand to be wearable. Some nicks and scratches to stone and light bending to gold, but otherwise intact and wearable with a very nice presentation.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA acquired via Artemission, London, United Kingdom, November 30, 2023, lot 31; ex-Mr. D.M., London, United Kingdom, acquired in 1990s from an East European collection
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