Le Masque d’Or 18ct gold filigree mask pendant on the white Victoire catalogue background

Le Masque d’Or

$3,450.00
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Le Masque d’Or 18ct gold filigree mask pendant on the white Victoire catalogue background
  • Le Masque d’Or 18ct gold filigree mask pendant on the white Victoire catalogue background
  • Le Masque d'Or 18ct gold filigree pendant, 750 hallmark visible, clean white catalogue background, Victoire V stamp
  • Le Masque d'Or 18ct gold filigree pendant, raised-eye and wirework detail, clean white catalogue background, Victoire V stamp
  • Le Masque d’Or 18ct gold filigree mask pendant on the white Victoire catalogue background
  • Le Masque d'Or 18ct gold filigree pendant, 750 hallmark visible, clean white catalogue background, Victoire V stamp
  • Le Masque d'Or 18ct gold filigree pendant, raised-eye and wirework detail, clean white catalogue background, Victoire V stamp
Le Masque d’Or

Le Masque d’Or

$3,450.00

A large 18ct gold face pendant combining polished relief with fine open filigree. At 6 × 2.5cm, Le Masque d’Or has the scale of a statement jewel. Heavy-lidded eyes, a long central ridge, radiating wirework and architectural side bars give it a sculptural profile. It weighs 8.83g and bears a visible 750 hallmark.

Probable provenance and cultural reference

The piece was first thought to be Pacific. Comparison with documented jewellery points more convincingly to West African mask jewellery, particularly modern work influenced by Akan-speaking traditions in present-day Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. A closely comparable 18ct filigree mask pendant of similar proportions was catalogued by Piasa.

Historic Akan gold masks and mask-shaped pendants belonged to a wider visual language of rank, ancestry and protection. UNESCO records examples associated with rulers and social elites at royal ceremonies, funerary rites and religious events. View the UNESCO reference.

This pendant is not presented as an antique ceremonial object. No document links it to a named maker, owner, community or event. The responsible attribution is a pre-owned 20th-century or later jewel, probably inspired by Akan, Asante or Baule gold-mask traditions.

Workmanship

Fine gold wires form symmetrical fans across the forehead and lower face. Smooth sheet and applied elements shape the brows, projecting eyes, long nose and side bars. The contrast between open wirework and reflective relief requires careful assembly and gives the pendant depth without gemstones.

Three small scrolls sit within the pointed forehead panel. Their intended meaning is not documented, so they remain decorative motifs rather than an invented translation. Surface marks and small irregularities are visible in the photographs and belong to the pre-owned object.

Why it is collectible

Unusual scale, 18ct gold, open filigree and a strong sculptural identity make this a distinctive one-of-one jewel. Its value is not based on gold weight alone; construction, condition, rarity within the shop and cultural design context also matter.

The asking price is AUD 3,450. Jewellery value can move independently of bullion, and future value is not guaranteed.

Details

  • Status: Available, one piece only
  • Metal: 18ct yellow gold
  • Hallmark: 750
  • Weight: 8.83g
  • Dimensions: 6 × 2.5cm
  • Type: Mask pendant
  • Technique: Open filigree with polished applied elements
  • Probable influence: Akan, Asante or Baule gold-mask jewellery; Ghana/Côte d’Ivoire
  • Date: Undetermined; probably 20th century or later
  • Condition: Pre-owned, with surface wear and patina visible

Collector note: Cultural attribution is comparative, not documentary. The photographs show the exact piece offered.

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