Torque with Lions

Achaemenid period (6th‐4th century B.C.)
Gold
W. 23.1 cm
A gold rod with a diameter of 4.5 mm was incised with a cord pattern and then curved into a circular torque with the decorated side of the rod facing outward. Approximately 1/4 of the torque doubles over itself, with each end of the rod fitted with a separately formed three-dimensional lion form. The lions each face outward with mouths open and all four legs and tails extended straight forward and backward. The backs and rumps of the lions are marked with the crescent and comma design. The forelegs are divided into two sections, and the hind legs show a circular form between two rectangular forms. These carved out areas form depressions which were used by the Achaemenid artists to show animal musculature, and would have been originally inlaid with precious gems or glass.