Earring thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Jewellery, Rooms 91, The William and Judith Bollinger Gallery

Earring

400-300 BC (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The Etruscan goldsmiths produced rich objects in striking forms that were technically very difficult to make. Greek styles and techniques were influential, but Etruscan jewellery was also characterised by original, local types. This object is an example of an Etruscan design.
The most common type of Etruscan earrings in the 4th century are the a grappolo or grape-cluster earrings. They are often shown worn by women on Etruscan terracottas and tomb paintings. These are of a simple design. Some are more elaborate, surmounted by a semi-circular, highly decorated element, sometimes with filigree and granulation.
The a baule earrings, in shape of small bags, are also designs typical of Etruscan jewellery.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Earring
  • Earring
Materials and techniques
Gold
Brief description
Pair of earrings, gold, decorated with wire spirals and applied work, northern Italy (Tuscany or Umbria), Etruscan, 5th-3rd century BC
Physical description
Pair of grape-cluster earrings (a grapollo), gold, decorated with pendants of bosses and beads.
Style
Subjects depicted
Summary
The Etruscan goldsmiths produced rich objects in striking forms that were technically very difficult to make. Greek styles and techniques were influential, but Etruscan jewellery was also characterised by original, local types. This object is an example of an Etruscan design.
The most common type of Etruscan earrings in the 4th century are the a grappolo or grape-cluster earrings. They are often shown worn by women on Etruscan terracottas and tomb paintings. These are of a simple design. Some are more elaborate, surmounted by a semi-circular, highly decorated element, sometimes with filigree and granulation.
The a baule earrings, in shape of small bags, are also designs typical of Etruscan jewellery.
Associated object
Collection
Accession number
8732&A-1863

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Record createdApril 12, 2005
Record URL
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