About the item: This delicate ancient Roman golden cylindrical pendant is an expressive artifact of antique jewelry, testifying to the Roman material culture of over two millennia ago. Characterized by a minimalist form yet possessing the elegance of precious metal, the object was created as a personal ornament or talisman intended to be worn close to the body. Such small-scale gold works in the Roman Empire were not only aesthetic decorations but also signs of social status and personal identity. Through this small artifact, the daily life of the Roman world, an individual's relationship with luxury, protection, and the symbolic meaning of gold are revealed.
Technical Information:
Title: Cylindrical pendant
Period: Ancient Rome, Roman Empire (1st–3rd century AD)
Region: Roman Empire
Material: Gold
Technique: Hammering, soldering
Height: 1.7 cm
Width: 1.1 cm
Depth: 1.1 cm
Weight: 2.052 g
Condition: Excellent
Artistic Analysis: The pendant is shaped as a purely cylindrical gold capsule, with a small ring loop attached to the top for suspension. The surface of the jewelry is intentionally left smooth and undecorated – this minimalist aesthetic emphasizes the metal itself, its radiance, and plastic form. Although the form is simple, the cylindrical structure creates a clear, monumental proportion. The object becomes a miniature gold capsule, preserving a personal story or symbolic meaning. In Roman jewelry, such capsular forms often performed an amuletic function, holding small religious symbols or personal artifacts.
Social and Cultural Context: During the Roman Empire period, gold jewelry was an important part of daily life, accessible to various social strata – from wealthy city dwellers to military officials. In Roman culture, gold was considered not only a symbol of wealth but also of eternity and divine protection. Amulet-type pendants were extremely common; it was believed that they protected the wearer from illness, misfortune, or the "evil eye." Through such artifacts, not only the luxury of the Empire is revealed, but also the daily beliefs of its inhabitants, personal rituals, and individual relationships with protective talismans.
Provenance: The origin and acquisition history of the object are documented: Private collection: Japan (formed 1970–2010) Subsequent owners: A&O Gallery (United Kingdom) Acquisition source: Gallery / antique dealer (United Kingdom) Year of acquisition: 2025 Current owner: Florinus, UAB
