3rd-7th century AD. A group of seven necklace elements formed as hollow gold cylinders, the upper and lower edge of each decorated with a groove, five of them with the same ornamentation on their central body. See Baldini Lippolis, I., L'Oreficeria nell'Impero di Costantinopoli tra IV e VII secolo, Bari, 1999, no.8, p.133, for a necklace formed of similar beads, from Lambousa (Cyprus"). 13.38 grams total, 19-30mm (3/4 - 1 1/4"). Property of a gentleman from Vienna; from his private collection formed since 1970. The cylindrical gold beads were widely used in the jewellery of the Roman empire, especially in necklaces, where they were used in alternation with volute fittings or precious stones. [7, No Reserve] For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price