Achaemenid
Gold nonet of beads pendant, Achaemenid, circa 5th - 4th century BC
Gold
Width: 4.1 cm
Length of chain: 18 in (adjustable to 16 in)
Length of chain: 18 in (adjustable to 16 in)
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Further images
An ancient Achaemenid gold bead pendant composed of nine circular hollow tubes connected together vertically and decorated with fine granulated beads. The modern gold chain with a pin and ball...
An ancient Achaemenid gold bead pendant composed of nine circular hollow tubes connected together vertically and decorated with fine granulated beads. The modern gold chain with a pin and ball suspension.
Provenance
Private collection, UK, acquired circa 2000Literature
Such beads would have been incorporated into larger pieces of jewellery. There are similar tubular beads in the Oxus Treasure, see the British Museum, London, accession no. 124079.The Oxus Treasure, discovered at the end of the 19th century by the Oxus River, is one of the most precious collections of ancient Persian art. Comprised of stunning gold and silver artworks and jewellery, the treasure is an impressive example of ancient Persian wealth. The elaborately decorated metalwork shows how incredibly skilful and talented artists were in the Achaemenid Empire.