Ancient Near East, Achaemenid Persian Empire, ca. 550 to 330 BCE. A beautiful pendant pressed from a sheet of 98.6% gold (equivalent to 22K+) featuring the stylized visage of a ram in repousse. The inverted piriform pendant is of an incredibly thin form and has a tapered lower section and rounded shoulders topped with a horizontal suspension cylinder. The ram's facial features are somewhat indiscernible, however the rough shape of the snout and brow are still visible beneath a set of segmented horns that curve down the upper corners. The peripheries are accentuated with a cord-patterned lining that creates a delicate yet functional framework. A sumptuous example of wearable Achaemenid artistry! Size (pendant): 1.2" W x 1.5" H (3 cm x 3.8 cm); (necklace): 22" L (55.9 cm); quality of gold: 98.6% (equivalent to 22K+); total weight: 2.9 grams

Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA, before 2010

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#158996

Wearable as shown. Gold pendant is ancient, and necklace strand is modern. Slight bending to overall form of pendant, with light abrasions and softening to some finer repousse details, and very light encrustations along verso, otherwise intact and excellent. Wonderful, lustrous patina throughout.