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Roman High Karat Gold Rabbit Pendant – “Leporis” (3rd–4th c. AD)
€1.600,00
Material:
Era:
- Roman
Rarity:
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Description
A remarkably rare Roman gold pendant depicting a reclining rabbit, crafted in high karat gold with softly modeled, hammered contours. The animal is shown in a compact, recumbent pose with rounded haunches, a defined brow, and delicately indicated ears. A neatly forged suspension loop rises from the back, allowing the piece to be worn as a personal charm or luxurious amulet. Miniature gold animal pendants of this quality were prized throughout the late Roman world, symbolizing vitality, good fortune, and gentle domesticity.
This example is exceptionally well preserved, its surfaces retaining the rich, warm sheen characteristic of ancient high-purity gold. Pieces of this subject and craftsmanship are seldom encountered on the market, especially with such distinguished provenance.
Details
Material: High karat gold
Date: Roman Empire, 3rd–4th century AD
Dimensions: 15 mm x 13 mm
Weight: 1.5 g
Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly the collection of Mr. R. Unger; earlier with a London gallery; acquired on the UK art market in the 1970s
Unique Identifier: P-29-G
Condition: Excellent ancient condition with natural surface softness typical of high-karat hammered gold
Restoration and Authenticity
Presented in untouched condition, with only gentle preservation cleaning. No modern repairs. A Certificate of Authenticity is included.
Historical Context
In late Roman society, gold animal pendants were intimate luxury objects worn for both charm and symbolism. Rabbits and hares appear in Roman art as emblems of fertility, renewal, and domestic prosperity. Small sculptural pendants like this were often gifted as protective tokens or worn discreetly on necklaces by individuals of means. This piece stands as a refined example of Roman miniature goldwork, combining personal symbolism with elegant craftsmanship.
Care
To maintain the beauty and integrity of your purchase, we recommend treating it with care. Simple maintenance practices, such as gentle washing and proper storage, can effectively preserve the longevity of your favorites. We encourage you to refer to the care instructions included with each item, designed to help you keep your purchase in top condition.
Authenticity
Each artifact we offer has been carefully examined by qualified professionals to ensure its authenticity. Our assessment considers historical style, craftsmanship, materials, and the wider typology of comparable pieces.
Because historical scholarship evolves, we offer a lifelong authenticity guarantee: if two independent, accredited laboratories ever determine that an item is not genuine, we will refund you in full.
What size is this ring?
The EU size of this ring is:
The US size of this ring is:
You can find information about ring sizes and how to determine your own, here.
Delivery Times & Processing
We prepare and ship most orders within 2–5 business days.
Delivery times depend on your location:
- EU orders: usually arrive within 1–5 business days.
- Non-EU orders: shipping typically takes 3–14 business days once dispatched.
- Export documents: Some antiquities require official export paperwork before shipping, which can take 2–8 weeks depending on the item and the issuing authority.
All orders are fully insured and you will receive tracking information as soon as your shipment is on its way.