Western Asiatic Gold Pendant with Gold Granules

A finely modelled Near Eastern-Western Asiatic single gold pendant, composed of a gold wire to the top for suspension, terminating in several gold granules arranged in a triangular cluster - the piece also features two concave gold circles at the top of the cluster, which would have likely held precious or semi-precious stone inserts.

Many grand civilisations inhabited the area of Western Asia in Antiquity, their wealth and prosperity is 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 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. Gold necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets would have been worn in everyday life but also buried with the deceased.

Measurements: Circa L 1. 9 cm x W 1. 0cm

Weight: 1. 3g

Provenance: Ex major London collection collected by S. M. 1970-99.