A Western Asiatic Gold Bracelet with Lion Headed Terminals

Circa 8th-6th Century B.C.

Width 4 3/4 inches (12.1 cm); 18 karat gold; 183.2 dwt.

Provenance:

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

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

Gold has been a symbol of wealth and influence for centuries. The lion-headed terminals of this striking gold bracelet reflect a motif that spans across millennia in Western Asia, where the imagery of lions—both real and mythological—has held great significance. The rich artistic traditions of this region, which produced objects of remarkable beauty, left an enduring influence on the Mediterranean world, from the Mycenaean period onward.

Likely crafted in a local workshop, the open-mouthed lions on this bracelet bear resemblance to an example found in the Kurdistan region, now housed at The Louvre Abu Dhabi (Inv. no. LAD2009.019). Drawing from diverse artistic traditions, ranging from Assyria in the west to Urartu and Scythia in the north, the lions’ fierce expressions have been softened through an adherence to decorative convention.

The assimilation of artistic influences from neighboring cultures would later become a defining feature of the Persian Empire’s political and cultural strength. As seen in the variation of animal-headed bracelets, it was not the most powerful culture that dictated artistic trends, but rather the most skilled craftsmen who shaped them.

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).

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Jacob Coley

Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Antiquities and Ancient Art

[email protected]312 280 1212

Mr. Coley joined the Antiquities department in 2021 after working as Managing Director in the Ancient Art department at Colnaghi, the world’s oldest commercial art gallery, where he helped to establish the Ancient Art department and launched Colnaghi New York in 2017. Prior to Colnaghi, Mr. Coley was in the Greek and Roman Art department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mr. Coley holds a B.A. from the University of Miami and an M.A. in Art Market from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and he earned an art-appraisal certificate from New York University.

Jewelry Through the Ages: Ancient to Neoclassical

A Western Asiatic Gold Bracelet with Lion Headed Terminals

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