Lot 295

Impressive and decorative gold necklace in the style of late Roman or early Byzantine jewellery, featuring a glass-paste cameo medallion in Roman Emperor-style A striking necklace composed of 19 mottled reddish-brown beads reminiscent of carnelian, interspaced with ten tubular gold elements, and accented by a series of ten cabochon cut black glass/stones inlayed pendants (granulated details). At the centre hangs an ornate pendant with eight beige inlayed glass/stone decoration surrounding a circular medallion. The medallion features a classical profile, resembling a ‘Caracalla-like’ Roman emperor, rendered in pale blue-green glass paste, a material traditionally used since antiquity to imitate carved stone intaglios. The overall construction and aesthetic echo late Roman and early Byzantine ornament, characterized by bold beadwork, gold spacers, and portrait medallions. While the exact age of this piece is unknown, its stylistic elements strongly evoke ancient Mediterranean craftsmanship, dating around the second century. Length 37 cm., weight 84,5 gr., purchased at ‘Onder de boompjes’ Leiden 2012. Condition: some wear, consistent with age, with the usual surface variations to beads and metalwork. A compelling piece for collectors of ancient or ancient-inspired jewellery!