Hellenistic Acanthus Jewellery Matrix
4th-2nd Century BC
A trapezoidal bronze matrix, likely for jewellery production, bearing an acanthus leaf motif in relief to one face, with delicate detailing. Cf. Treister, M., 'Bronze Matrices from George Ortiz Collection', in Calinescu, A. (ed.), Ancient Jewellery and Archaeology: Proceedings of International Symposium dedicated to the memory of Burton Y.Berry, Bloomington, September 1991, Bloomington, Indianapolis, 1991, pp.172-184. 78 grams, 57 mm (2 1/4 in.). German collection before 2000.Collection of Mr.D.H., formed in UK, from the EU art market. Property of a Surrey gentleman. In antiquity, matrices for raising jewellery elements, ornaments and plaques were made of bronze, stone or reinforced terracotta. Matrices with designs in relief were used as an alternative to matrices with hollow designs or intaglio matrices.