SMALL PIN Gold H. 6.5 cm; 2.5 g Roman Empire, 2nd century BC - 2nd century AD Provenance European collection, acquired on the English art market in the 1990s An exceptional small gold pin consisting of a relatively short tapering shaft terminating in an elaborate ornamental head. The head has an architectural structure with several superimposed registers, entirely openwork and decorated with delicate filigree motifs. The decoration is composed of stylised palmettes, scrolls and plant motifs framing empty spaces, creating a decorative cage effect. A smooth gold pearl or ball crowns the piece. The pin shows remarkable technical virtuosity. The stem is formed by hammering and drawing the gold wire. The ornamental head is the result of complex filigree work: fine gold wires have been twisted, shaped into volutes and palmettes, then soldered together to create the openwork structure. The different registers are organised symmetrically. Filigree, a refined goldsmithing technique inherited from Eastern traditions, reached its apogee in the Hellenistic and Roman worlds. Excellent condition. Natural patina of old gold. Structure intact despite the delicate openwork. Well-preserved watermark. A Hellenistic World or Roman Empire Late Hellenistic or Roman Imperial period, Gold Pin with Openwork Filigree Decoration.2nd century BC - 2nd century AD. Exceptional small gold pin composed of a relatively short tapered shaft ending in an elaborate ornamental head. The head presents an architectural structure with several superimposed registers, entirely openwork and decorated with delicate filigree motifs. The decoration consists of stylized palmettes, volutes, and vegetal motifs framing empty spaces, creating a decorative cage effect. The ensemble is topped with a smooth gold bead or sphere forming the crowning of the piece. The pin demonstrates remarkable technical virtuosity. The shaft was formed by hammering and drawing gold wire. The ornamental head results from complex filigree work: fine gold wires were twisted, shaped into volutes and palmettes, then soldered together to create the openwork structure. The different registers are organised symmetrically. Filigree, a refined goldsmithing technique inherited from Eastern traditions, reached its peak in the Hellenistic and Roman world. Excellent condition. Natural patina of ancient gold. Structure intact despite the delicacy of the openwork. Filigree well preserved.