Gold Tree Ornament. 1st millennium B.C. A sheet-gold tree ornament or finial comprising a central stem with three graduated tiers of sheet-gold flowers each with radiating petals, the uppermost with a bird finial, the middle tier adorned with applied filigree wire branches supporting dangles with pearl(?) beads; mounted on a custom-made display stand with bevelled edges. Cf. Cambon, P. et al., Afghanistan Crossroads Of The Ancient World, British Museum, London, 2007, pl.122, for a similar style of ornament from Tillya Tepe, Tomb I. 149 grams total, 93 mm wide including stand (3 5/8 in.) Private UK collection 1970s.

Fair condition.