Ca. 4th century BC. A marvel of Hellenistic craftsmanship - a resplendent gold chain of exquisite beauty and refinement, adorned with the regal countenances of two mighty rams. It is comprised of a chain with a loop-in-loop design and the ram head finials, which mesmerize with their captivating details. Each finial boasts a unique attachment, with one featuring a hook and the other, a loop, which ingeniously fastens the necklace. Spherical garnet beads at the rear of each finial add a charming touch of elegance to the already graceful piece. The collar of the ram-head terminal bears intricate scrolls, a hallmark of Hellenistic decorative art, which gives way to the majestic creatures themselves. Rendered with painstaking care, the rams' snouts, nostrils, mouth, and eyes are imbued with a lifelike quality, while the skin on their cheekpieces is textured with a realistic touch. Their most impressive feature, however, is their majestic horns - curved and ribbed, a testament to the Hellenistic fascination with the power and grace of these noble creatures. As s symbol of virility and fertility, the ram was closely associated with the god Zeus, who was often depicted in ram form. It was also revered for its strength and tenacity, qualities that were highly prized in the martial world of ancient Greece.Size: L:440mm / W:17.1mm ; 12.2gProvenance: Property of a central London Gallery; formerly with a European collector, ex. Private Dutch collection; previously in English private collection, 1980.