Western Asia, Scythian culture, ca. mid 1st millennium BCE. A very fine Scythian 81% gold applique (equivalent to 18K+) depicting an avian form in profile with remarkable details - incised plumage on the wings, tailfeathers, and neck - a curved beak and elegant eye. This bird appears to be perched, as if landing atop the arm of a falconer. The Scythians are famous for their goldwork, and rightly so; hoards of their treasures have been found throughout eastern and central Europe and western and central Asia. These hoards may represent gifts that were made to foreign rulers, votive offerings, or treasures buried and forgotten. Other gold artifacts from this culture are found in their incredibly rich graves. According to Scythian tradition, warriors (both male and female) were buried alongside their servants and horses, with weapons, harnesses, and personal adornments in order to provide for them in the afterlife. Size: 0.95" H (2.4 cm); 2.25" H (5.7 cm) on included custom stand; 81% gold (equivalent to 18K+)
Provenance: ex-Davis collection, Houston, Texas, acquired before 2013 from various auction houses in London and New York
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#140291
Condition
Very slight bending to form but overall in excellent condition. Light deposits on back. Difficult to weigh, since attached to stand with putty.