Earring with head of lion-griffin
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.
The 'collar' behind the lion-griffin's head is decorated with granulation and filagree.
Artwork Details
- 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
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.