A Western Asiatic Gold Bracelet with Lion-Headed Terminals

Circa 8th-6th Century B.C.

Diameter 4 3/4 inches (12.1 cm).

Property from a Private Pennsylvania Collector

Provenance:

Nasli Heeramaneck (1902-1971), New York, prior to 1964.

Jay C. Leff Collection (1925-2000), Uniontown, Pennsylvania; thence by descent.

Note:

Gold has long been the currency of social and political status. Lion-headed protomes form the terminals of this substantial gold bracelet. The image of confronting lions—as well as other real and mythological animals—is a motif that has a long iconographical history in Western Asia. Many fascinating and unique objects of exquisite beauty come from this region of the world, and its rich and longstanding artistic heritage inspired much of the Mediterranean world from the Mycenaean period onward.

Presumably cast from a local workshop, the open-mouthed lions compare favorably to an analogous gold bracelet found in the Kurdistan Region and now on view at The Louvre Abu Dhabi (Inv. no. LAD2009.019). Combining artistic elements from cultures as far west as Assyria and as far north as Urartu and Scythia, the ferocity of the snarling lion has been tempered and restrained by decorative convention. As in the words of the Achaemenid King Darius the Great, “Force is always beside the point when subtlety will serve.”

The open assimilation to and influences from neighboring cultures of Western Asia would become a political keystone for the burgeoning Persian Empire. As can be seen in the stylistic differences between the numerous examples of animal-headed bracelets, artistic trends were not set by the most dominant culture, but by the most talented craftsmen.

Intact. Heavy, as expected with Achaemenid gold. The bracelet is hollow and it cannot be determined whether the entirety of the bracelet is pure gold, or gold plated alloy. Instances of oxidation and red patination on the lion-headed terminals. Minor meandering cracks near the mouth, chin, and head of each lion, not affecting the overall stability. Minuscule chips to one lion; other minor abrasions throughout. Indentation to the band. Very attractive condition overall. Tests at 18k gold; 183.2 dwt; diameter 4 3/4 inches (12.1 cm). Letter of ownership and provenance confirmation from the descendent of Jay C. Leff pending.

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Antiquities and Ancient Art: A Study

A Western Asiatic Gold Bracelet with Lion-Headed Terminals

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