Description:

Ancient Greece, Hellenistic period, ca. 3rd to 1st century BCE. A stunning gold foil diadem applique made from a 91.96% (equivalent to 22K+) gold sheet, hammered flat, cut, and stippled with a gammadion (swastika), an ancient good luck symbol that was associated with Zeus' lightning bolt. The gammadion form was popular in Greco-Roman antiquity and the form was made up of four Greek gamma letters. A magnificent piece like this was likely used to adorn a diadem; note that it is pierced at either end for attachment. Size: 4.2" L x 1.5" W (10.7 cm x 3.8 cm); gold quality: 91.96% (equivalent to 22K+); weight: 3.3 grams

The diadem is one of the oldest and most characteristic articles of women's jewelry that originated in the Greek world. While wreaths and coronets were worn by men as signs of social or political status, and as funerary objects, diadem were worn by women as luxurious decorative ornaments. Numerous examples in gold have been found in necropolises in southern Italy, Macedonia, and on the Black Sea coast, testifying to the great refinement of Greek jewelry-making during the Hellenistic period, and to the widespread diffusion of decorative motifs throughout the Mediterranean basin.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#175541

  • Condition: Creasing and indentations to surface as shown. Pin hole perforation through center and tiny tear near suspension hole, otherwise intact. Faint remains of mineral deposits.

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December 22, 2022 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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