Gold and garnet pendant amphora and chain with tripod stand

ca. 125–100 BCE

Not on view

Restituted

This artwork was restituted in February 2026. It is no longer in the museum’s collection.

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

Miniature amphorai were a popular type of decoration for necklaces and earrings in the third and second centuries B.C. They form some of the most attractive and finely worked pieces of Hellenistic jewelry. In addition to a gold suspension chain, there is a stand with three charming dolphin-shaped legs. The combination of amphora and stand is extremely unusual, suggesting that not only the pendant but also its contents were highly prized.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Gold and garnet pendant amphora and chain with tripod stand
Period: Hellenistic
Date: ca. 125–100 BCE
Culture: Greek
Medium: Gold and garnet (?)
Dimensions: total H. 2 1/16 in. (5.2 cm); H. of bottle 1 7/16 in. (3.7 cm); H. of stand 3/4 in. (1.9 cm); length of chain 5 7/8 in. (14.9 cm)
Classification: Gold and Silver
Credit Line: Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Christos G. Bastis Gift, 2000
Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art