Ca. 300-100 BC. Parthian. A rare Parthian gold Ram pendant. The ram is depicted in the round, in a sitting position, with its legs tucked beneath it. Its head is bowed, as if sleeping, with carefully delineated curved horns about its temple; engraved wide, open eyes and rounded, tapering snout. A circular suspension hole passes through the Ram’s shoulder. The Parthian Empire occupied much of Iran and Western Asia from the middle of the 3rd century BC and was the great rival of the Late Roman Republic. As well as raising fierce warriors, Parthians were also responsible for many great works of art and craftsmanship, as this gorgeous pendant exemplified. In order to confirm its authenticity, this piece has undergone X-Ray Fluorescence analysis by an independent Belgian Laboratory. The samples collected show the chemical composition to reflect the typical metal contents of the described period, whilst also showing no modern trace elements in the patina. Excellent condition; wearable (if restrung).Size: L:34mm / W:39mm ; 9.2g; Provenance: Property of an established London gallery; acquired from a private estate collection formed in the 1980s.