Description:

Ancient Central Asia, Persia, Achaemenid Empire, ca. 5th century BCE. A rare and quite remarkable gold repousse applique in the form of a lion hybrid shown with one paw raised and a second lion head or possibly a wing rising from its back. The strong animal rests on its haunches as he opens his mouth in a roar. Three loops protrude from the verso for suspension. Lions were a powerful symbol in Achaemenid art and were heavily featured in royal iconography to denote vigor and strength. These ferocious felines were also connected to solar deities and many sun related myths in many ancient Near Eastern traditions. In ancient Mesopotamian astrology, the sun is at its maximum strength while in the "house of the lion." Size: 1.6" W x 1.3" H (4.1 cm x 3.3 cm); gold quality: 67.9% (equivalent to over 16 karats); weight: 1.5 grams

The Achaemenid Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great in 550 BCE (including Iran, Mesopotamia, Syria, Egypt, Asia Minor, Central Asia, Caucasus, Thrace and some parts of India) is generally regarded as one of the greatest civilizations of the ancient world. Its capital, Pasargadae, was Cyrus the Great's final resting place and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To demonstrate the Achaemenid Empire's love of gold, associates of Alexander the Great in accounts of a tomb in Pasargadae, described a golden sarcophagus, necklaces, and gold gemstone earrings. The tomb is located in Pasargadae, in the garden of a royal palace where an ensemble of artifacts known as the Pasargadae Treasure - including various articles of gold and silver, jewelry and gemstones - were found in a ceramic amphora.

The Achaemenid love of silver and gold was famous throughout the ancient world. Plato wrote of how the acquisition of gold and silver was considered a virtue while Alcibiades, another Athenian, wrote of the enormous wealth in gold and silver that the Persians had. Ancient Greek writers described the impressive wealth of the Persians. To quote Herodotus when speaking of Xerxes' troops, they "were adorned with the greatest magnificence …. They glittered all over with gold, vast quantities of which they wore about their persons." (Vii. 83).

A similar gold repousse of a hybrid lion hammered 239,400 GBP (equivalent to $313,256.10) at Christie's London on July 3rd, 2024 (lot 75, Live Auction 22666 "Antiquities").

Provenance: private Kihei, Hawaii, USA collection, purchased from I.M. Chait Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, October 10, 1999

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.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#189503

  • Condition: A few stable hairline fissures to body, as well as some minor chips and bending, but otherwise intact and excellent with liberal remaining detail. Not recommended for wear due to age and fragility of gold.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

For shipments of oversize items, Artemis Gallery will assist the buyer in working with a third-party shipping provider. For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding.

Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value - no exceptions.

December 6, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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