Pendant disk
Unknown Artist
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
Diameter: 9/16 x 1/8 in. (1.4 x 0.3 cm)
Classification
Gold and Silver
Culture
Cypriot
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
Accession Number
74.51.3193
Art Historical Context
This delicate gold pendant disk, hailing from ancient Cyprus, exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of Cypriot jewelers in the classical world. Measuring just 9/16 x 1/8 inches (1.4 x 0.3 cm its petite scale belies its luxurious material—pure gold, a precious metal symbolizing wealth, status, divine favor in ancient Mediterranean societies. As a pendant, it was likely worn as personal adornment, perhaps suspended from a necklace, reflecting everyday elegance among the elite. Cypriot culture, thriving at the crossroads of Greek, Phoenician, and Near Eastern influences from around 2000 BCE th...