4th-2nd century BC. A matched pair of gold earrings, each composed of a discoid body with applied gold wire border framing a filigree flower with two layers of radiating petals, wire coils between and central pellet, five dangles below with floral boss and gold chain, two with a hollow piriform dangle, two with a piriform cell with beaded border and enamelled centre, the central dangle with a bird modelled in the round, ornate trefoil tail, granules to the body, outlining the wings and eyes, perching on a squat globe with medial granules; tapering ear hook to reverse of disc. Cf. Ogden, J. et al., Greek Gold Jewellery Of The Classical World, New York, 1994, p.69 and p.172, for similar elements; cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession numbers 25.78.41 and 1995.539.9a, b, for similar birds; cf. Despini, A.D., Ancient Gold Jewellery, Athens, 1996, p.123-125, for similar earrings with birds; cf. The British Museum, museum number 1867,0508.467, item 16 and 1884,0614.5, for similar. 10.68 grams total, 40mm each (1 1/2"). From a West country collection, UK, pre 1970s; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10967-180724. [2]

Fine condition.