Earring with Lion-Griffin Head

Greek (?) (Jeweler)

4th-3rd century BC (Late Classical-Hellenistic)

gold
(Ancient Greece , Jewelry)

The lion-griffin head is worked in repoussé in two halves, left and right and chased; ears, teeth and crest were separately made and applied. Two holes remain where the griffin horns once were.

Probably contemporary with the lion head hoop (Walters 57.1665), the lion-griffin head hoop introduces an Achaemenid motif into the Hellenistic repertory. This type is less widespread than the lion head hoop.

Provenance

**Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.**

Henry Walters, New York [date of acquisition unknown], by purchase; Sadie Jones (Mrs. Henry Walters), New York, 1931, by inheritance; Sale, Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, December 2, 1943, lot 524; Walters Art Museum, 1943, by purchase.

Exhibitions

1988-1989	From Alexander to Cleopatra: Greek Art of the Hellenistic Age. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore.
1979-1980	Jewelry - Ancient to Modern. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore.

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Geographies

Greece (Place of Origin)

Measurements

H: 1 1/16 x W: 7/8 x D: 1/2 in. (2.8 x 2.3 x 1.3 cm)

Credit Line

Museum purchase with funds provided by the S. & A.P. Fund [formerly part of the Walters Collection], 1943

Location in Museum

Centre Street: Second Floor: Ancient Treasury

Accession Number

In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.

57.1732

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