CIRCA 3RD-1ST CENTURY B.C.

This appliqué is fabricated from repoussé sheet gold over a bitumen core, the surface embellished throughout with drop-shaped and circular turquoise inlays. The lion-griffin is depicted with an open mouth revealing its teeth, with incised details articulating the backward curving horns. For related Sarmation gold and turquoise works, see fig. 1 in J. Aruz, et al., eds., The Golden Deer of Eurasia: Scythian and Sarmatian Treasures from the Russian Steppes and nos. 133-138 in F. Baumann, et al., Aus den Schatzkammern Eurasiens: Meisterwerke Antiker Kunst.