Description:

**Originally Listed At $400**

Ancient Near East, Assyrian, ca. 8th to 7th century BCE. An opulent token of imperial might, this hammered gold applique functioned as a shield boss or ornamental fitting, once adorning the armor or regalia of an Assyrian elite. Carefully shaped from thin sheet gold, the round form centers on a raised domed rosette, encircled by twelve repousse hemispheres with dotted texture. Two piercings near the inner ring suggest it was sewn or riveted to cloth or leather, likely for ceremonial display or military dress. Gold ornaments such as this conveyed wealth, divine sanction, and military supremacy during the Neo-Assyrian period. The concentric design may reflect solar symbolism linked to Shamash, the sun god and guardian of justice, while the regular dotted pattern echoes the empire's obsession with cosmic order and hierarchy. This piece captures the elegance and authority of one of the most powerful empires of the first millennium BCE. Size: 0.8" Diameter (2 cm); gold quality: 71.8% (17.2 karats); weight: 0.3 grams

Provenance: private Dayton, Maryland, USA collection; ex-private F. B. collection, Maryland, USA, acquired between 1990 to 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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#196147

  • Condition: Some creasing, bending, and indentations to gold, as well as minor chipping along periphery, but otherwise, very nice with good remaining detail.

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February 8, 2026 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000