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Lot 13A
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Greek Hellenistic 19K+ Gold Foil Diadem, Foliate Motif
Greek Hellenistic 19K+ Gold Foil Diadem, Foliate Motif
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**Originally Listed At $500**

Ancient Greece, Hellenistic period, ca. 2nd century BCE. An opulent diadem formed from 81% - over 19 karats - gold and boasting foliate motifs of scrolling vines scattered with oak and ivy leaves as well as petite bunches of grapes. Just imagine how this sumptuous item would have looked when worn in a woman's hair, gleaming in the natural light of the sun or the warm glow of an oil lamp. As gold tiaras like this example were frequently used in funerary contexts, the ivy and grape decoration may serve allusions to Dionysus - Roman Bacchus - the Greek god of wine, who was linked to ideas of resurrection and rebirth. The depiction of these foliate motifs as perpetually ageless perhaps also represents the Roman belief in the soul's continued existence or that the bones or ashes of the deceased generate flowers to adorn the earth after death. Size: 8.8" L x 1.1" W (22.4 cm x 2.8 cm); gold quality: 81% (over 19 karats); weight: 2.7 grams

Ornamented bands made from hammered sheet gold were worn around the head from a very early period of Greek history. Such diadems were comprised of gold or silver bands, some simple and others that were stamped like these or embellished with applied decorations. Diadems have been found in Greek tombs dating to the 6th century BCE through the Roman period (2nd century BCE). Scholars believe that they could have been worn during life, perhaps at banquets, as prizes of war or athletic competitions, or on special civic or religious occasions, however, they also served as funerary furnishings.

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

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#175539

    Condition:
  • Loss to left side and repaired with clear tape visible in areas. A few small tears to peripheries, as well as some bending and some folds, but form is still clear. Otherwise, good condition with ample preservation of imagery.

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by Artemis Gallery
September 29, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
686 S. Taylor Ave., #108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Artemis Gallery

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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