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XIV.—Ancient Gold Ornaments: described by John Yonge Akerman, Esq. Secretary

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 June 2012

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Extract

With the exception of Figs. 1, 2, 3, the Gold Ornaments engraved in Plate VIII. have no reference whatever to each other. The first three were obtained by Viscount Strangford, Director of the Society, from a Greek priest at Milo, in the year 1820. Figs. 1 and 3 appear to have formed the ends of a light chain, and the other (fig. 2) to have been pendent by a small loop on the top of the head. The figure has unfortunately lost the feet and the left hand, but the other parts are perfect. The right hand is raised in an admonitory attitude. The forehead appears as if encircled with a wreath, while the body is crossed by what would seem to be intended for the tendril of a vine. The necklace was formerly in the collection of the late Mr. H. P. Borrell, of Smyrna, but I am informed by his brother, Mr. Maximilian Borrell, who now possesses it, that no record exists of its discovery, and that he cannot learn the name of the individual from whom it was purchased. It was well known that Mr. H. P. Borrell was in the habit of purchasing ancient coins, which were sent to him from all parts of Greece and Asia-Minor, and that many rare and unique specimens fell into his hands, of which he contributed descriptions in various volumes of the Numismatic Chronicle. The necklace may, therefore, have been included in one of these numerous consignments, and we can scarcely indulge the hope that the place of its discovery will ever be made known. As an example of ancient art, it may vie with the most elaborate and beautiful specimens of goldsmiths' work of any age or period. The details are wonderfully minute and delicate, even the backs of the button-like objects at the ends of the pendent cords being elaborately finished.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Society of Antiquaries of London 1853

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References

page 191 note a Acts xix. v. 24.

page 191 note b Et Hecate Ephesi in templo Dianæ post ædem, in cujus contemplatione admonent æditui parcere occulis, tanta marmora radiatio est. Hist. Nat. lib. xxxvi. c. 5.

page 191 note c See Remarks on the Coins of Ephesus struck during the Roman Dominion, p. 29, and the plate, fig. 2.

page 192 note a Millingen, Vases Grecques, pl. ii.

page 193 note a Opuscula, Halæ, 1777, p. 11. ὤετο δὲ νεκϱοϱύκτας τινὰς διωϱυχέναι τὸν τάϕον καὶ πεπϱακέναι τὰ ἱμάτια καὶ τὰ χϱύσια τῷ πατρὶ τῆς ἀνθρώπου..—Ibid. p. 12.

page 193 note b πρῶτος μὲν ὁ τῆς ϕεϱνῆς χρυςός τε καὶ ἄργυρος, ἐσθητῶν κάλλος καὶ κόσμος.. Charito, Cliæreas and Callirrhoe, p. 10, 1. 9, ed. 4to, Amstel, 1750.