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Glass ornaments with gold leaf overlay

ca. 1400–1200 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 151
The Mycenaeans specialized in the production of glass beads for diadems and other types of jewelry, as well as clothing decoration. Seven of the ornaments here, all made from the same or very similar molds, were originally overlaid with gold leaf, some of which is still preserved. Plaques cast from glass were stylistically akin to gold reliefs. Mycenaean glassworkers may have gilded these pieces in an attempt to imitate the more expensive metalwork.

This set comprises seven matching ornaments, all made in same or very similar molds. The semi-translucent blue glass elements are shaped as a square panel, with and uneven flat back, straight edges, and covered with gold leaf overlay.

Molded decoration on front: along top or bottom edge, a narrow band of vertical ribs; below, a motif (lotus ?) comprising a central vertical spike, flanked to either side by wavy petals or leaves. Two plaques retain part of the gold leaf decoration that covered the front.

Three ornaments are intact (one with gold leaf), one is broken but complete, and the other three (one with gold leaf) are fragmentary; dulling, thick creamy brown weathering, and slight iridescence.

Deterioration of the glass is responsible for its pale color. The practice of overlaying a glass ornament with gold foil is well attested.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Glass ornaments with gold leaf overlay
  • Period: Late Helladic III
  • Date: ca. 1400–1200 BCE
  • Culture: Helladic, Mycenaean
  • Medium: Glass; mold-pressed
  • Dimensions: H. (average height): 1/2 in. (1.3 cm)
  • Classification: Glass
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1925
  • Object Number: 25.78.14–.20
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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