Earring with head of lion-griffin

Ptolemaic Period

4th–3rd century B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134

Hoops formed of wound wire with animal head terminals are the commonest type of Hellenistic earring. The griffin is a mythical winged animal that could have an eagle head or a horned lion-head. The latter is the only sort found on Egyptian jewelry; it has been suggested that it was associated with the Macedonian dynasty, while the eagle griffin was associated with the Achamenid Persians.

The 'collar' behind the lion-griffin's head is decorated with granulation and filagree.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Earring with head of lion-griffin
Period: Ptolemaic Period
Date: 4th–3rd century B.C.
Geography: From Egypt
Medium: Gold
Dimensions: As Worn: H. 3.4 × W. 3.3 cm (1 5/16 × 1 5/16 in.)
Credit Line: Gift of George and Florence Blumenthal, 1935
Object Number: 35.6.1
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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