Ancient Eastern Mediterranean, Phoenicia, ca. 6th to 4th BCE. A fantastical and wearable glass pendant bead of an animal's head with bared teeth. The glass was originally a cobalt blue but has developed a pearlescent iridescence over most of the surface. The bead is spherical with a short snout projecting from the front with opaque white teeth applied around the open jaws, perhaps a representation of a lion or wolf. Atop the head are applied eyes in white and blue, which give this ferocious animal an endearing face. On the back of the head is an integral suspension loop, and the pendant is suspended on a modern cord with a silver-plated lobster clasp. This is a rare and fine example of creative glass artistry! Size of pendant: 1" L x 0.75" W (2.5 cm x 1.9 cm); cord: 21" L (53.3 cm)
This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection, acquired 1990s; ex-private UK collection
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#165740
Condition
Intact and very rare! Small surface abrasion near suspension loop. Weathering, and some encrustations. Heavy iridescence and wearable, strung on a modern cord.