A PAIR OF EAST ROMAN GOLD AMPHORA EARRINGS
2nd Century A. D.
"A Roman version of similar earrings which were widely seen and very popular in Alexander's Hellenistic world. The wealth that poured into Greece from his conquests was likewise maintained by his "heir" kingdoms. Gold jewelry, which had been somewhat scarce previously in Greece, flourished on a wide scale, and explored many new fanciful and exotic forms."
Each earring composed of openwork amphora with beaded wire decoration, three volute handles and five rings from which hang pomegranate pendants, later hinged wire suspension loops, 5 cm long; and a pair of jewelry elements composed of three conjoined cabochon cornelian ovals in gold box settings surrounded by beaded wire. 2cm. long average, both 2nd - 3rd Century A. D.Provenance:Heidi Vollmoeller; acquired in 1956 from Jacques Matossian (item one); and in 1960 and 1969 respectively.
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