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Necklace Bead and Pair of Pendants in the Shape of an Auspicious Symbol

c. 150 BCE

India, Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh, Shunga period

(185–78 BCE)
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Medium
gold
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1973.66
Public Domain
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Location
242A Ancient India
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Description

These exceptionally fine pieces of gold jewelry would have been strung on a necklace. The auspicious symbols on either side of the egg-shaped bead are in the form of full blown lotus flowers with the seed pods carefully detailed, and trident-shaped forms decorated with stylized palmette motifs emanate down from the lotuses.
A central oval gold bead, adorned with small spheres and raised leaf shapes, is flanked by two identical pendants. Each pendant comprises a circular floret above a wide, bifurcated base. The surfaces are densely textured with fine wire loops and rows of tiny granules forming intricate scrolls and repeating patterns. This tripartite ensemble showcases elaborate filigree and granulation, creating a rich relief across the floral and foliate ornamentation.

Necklace Bead and Pair of Pendants in the Shape of an Auspicious Symbol

c. 150 BCE

India, Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh, Shunga period (185–78 BCE)

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