Collection Highlights: Antiquities

There are few more exquisite pieces of jewellery from the classical period than this necklace. Twenty-two rosettes with acorns suspended from them are alternated with stylised lotuses that support small beads. Both rosettes and lotuses each have another, much smaller, rosette attached to them. All these elements are made of sheet gold edged with beaded gold wire. Originally, they were decorated with coloured enamel. The acorns are very realistically made; the striated cups joined to the smooth glands, the junction cleverly disguised. The grave in which they were found exceptionally contained a silver cup, as well as a bronze wine-strainer. Acquired in 1885.

Greece (Gallery 16), Ground Floor, Case C107