**Originally Listed At $500**

Ancient Near East, Achaemenid Persian Empire, ca. 550 to 330 BCE. A trio of cast bronze components that together make up a large, symmetrical belt buckle. Two are rectangular, with openwork designs studded with four round, raised bosses. The top and bottom of each have three small studs, presumably for attachment to fabric or leather. One end of each has two rectangular slots, again for attachment; the other end of each has a thick, round loop projecting perpendicular from the orientation of the rest of the piece. The two pieces are joined by an "S" form with a boss in the center that terminates in abstract, three-dimensional forms that resemble either the heads of snakes or opening flower buds. The terminals hook through the loops on the rectangular pieces. Comes displayed on custom stand. Size of each rectangular piece: 4" W x 2.5" H (10.2 cm x 6.4 cm); size of "S" hook: 1.95" L x 1.3" H (5 cm x 3.3 cm); size on stand: 9.1" L x 1.5" W x 3.9" H (23.1 cm x 3.8 cm x 9.9 cm)

Plato described Achaemenid society as one whose flaunting of wealth was famous throughout the ancient world. A belt buckle this large would have been an excellent way to do this.

Provenance: private New Jersey USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago

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#121651

The leftmost piece (facing) has a loss to the lower left corner of the piece (see the intact rightmost piece for comparison). Smooth pale green patina over surface, with some areas of light encrustation.