Near East, Anatolia or Iran, Achaemenid Empire, ca. 6th to 5th century BCE. An impressive collection of 22K+ gold appliques (282 to be exact) made from finely hammered 94% gold sheet, each one meticulously modeled in repousse and perforated so that it could be sewn to an indubitably impressive garment. The appliques come in a variety of shapes: 8-pointed stars, florettes, pointed crowns, horses striding right, horses striding left, and more. All are set on a black velvet display board within a glass-fronted riker display case. Size: each horse applique measures .5" W x .5" H (1.3 cm x 1.3 cm); riker box measures 14.5" L x 8" W x 1.75" H (36.8 cm x 20.3 cm x 4.4 cm)
The Achaemenid Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great in 550 BCE (including Iran, Mesopotamia, Syria, Egypt, Asia Minor, Central Asia, Caucasus, Thrace and some parts of India) is generally regarded as one of the greatest civilizations of the ancient world. Its capital, Pasargadae, was Cyrus the Great's final resting place and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To demonstrate the Achaemenid Empire's love of gold, associates of Alexander the Great in accounts of a tomb in Pasargadae, described a golden sarcophagus, necklaces, and gold gemstone earrings. The tomb is located in Pasargadae, in the garden of a royal palace where an ensemble of artifacts known as the Pasargadae Treasure - including various articles of gold and silver, jewelry and gemstones - were found in a ceramic amphora.
Ancient Greek writers described the impressive wealth of the Persians. To quote Herodotus when speaking of Xerxes' troops, they "were adorned with the greatest magnificence …. They glittered all over with gold, vast quantities of which they wore about their persons." (Vii. 83).
Provenance: private Dere Family Collection, New York City, New York, USA, acquired in the 1980s - 2000s
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#151685
Condition
Minute losses to peripheries of several appliques. All have perforations for attachment. Two of the twenty horses ar missing heads. One is missing a tail. Overall these are in remarkable condition and have withstood the tests of time quite well. The gold has developed a lovely warm patina. Comes in a glass-fronted riker's box.