Exhibited Greek 18K Gold Omega Shaped Braidings (pr)

Greece, Classical Period, 5th century BCE. A beautiful pair of 18K gold (75% gold) braidings, each one presenting a thick cylindrical wire of a sinuous omega shape with terminals comprised of granule clusters arranged in a pyramidal form on either side. Just imagine these glistening gold ormanents creating a lavish gold twist in a Greek woman's coiffure. What's more, the omega, as the last letter of the Greek alphabet, symbolized eternity. Size: each measures ~ 1.875" W x 1.375" H (4.8 cm x 3.5 cm); weight: 35.4 grams. Gold quality: 75% gold, equivalent to 18K.

Ancient Greek and Roman poets waxed poetic about the elaborate braided coiffures of lovely ladies. In the Odyssey, Homer describes Circe as "the nymph with the lovely braids." Quoting Lucan's Pharsalia, "Amidst the braidings of her flowing hair / The spoils of orient rocks and shells appear; / Like midnight stars, ten thousand diamonds deck / The comely rising of her graceful neck".

These beautiful braidings were exhibited at The International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show, New York, October 21-27 2011.

Provenance: private Connecticut, USA collection; ex private German collection, 1970s; Gorny and Mosch 206, 20 June 2012, lot 183. Exhibited: The International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show, New York, October 21-27 2011.

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#149790
Condition Report: Some deposits in recesses between granules and slight surface wear. Otherwise excellent with marvelous warm patina. Stand in photos for display purposes only.