RYW Heritage: Phoenician Gold Amphora Earring
Masterpiece of Ancient Goldsmithing
Limited Access Token:
TBD
Discover the Legacy of Ancient Phoenician Craftsmanship
Experience a rare connection to the ancient world with this exquisite Phoenician Gold Amphora Earring, a masterpiece of Hellenistic-Phoenician goldsmithing from the 2nd–1st century BC.
Originating from the cultural crossroads of the Mediterranean, this finely crafted gold pendant takes the form of a miniature amphora - complete with delicate handles, ornate floral decoration, and sophisticated glass inlays. Once part of the prestigious Kofler-Truniger Collection, this piece embodies the luxury and artistic excellence of ancient Phoenician and Hellenistic jewelry.
Key Features
- Origin: Phoenician / Eastern Mediterranean, 2nd–1st century BC
- Material: High-purity gold with dark glass inlays and colored decorative disc
- Dimensions: Height 3.2 cm
- Craftsmanship: Exceptional goldwork with finely detailed granulation, repoussé, and glass inlay technique
- Provenance: Formerly Collection Ernst & Marthe Kofler-Truniger, acquired in Beirut 1952, exhibited at Kunsthaus Zürich (1964)
- Condition: Very good, with minor wear consistent with age
This extraordinary artifact is not only a wearable piece of ancient history - it represents one of the earliest known examples of amphora-shaped earrings from the Phoenician-Hellenistic period. A true cultural treasure, now preserved by the RYW Club for future generations.
Join the Club Collection
Be among the first patrons to safeguard this chapter of ancient history.
By acquiring this NFT, you become part of something truly meaningful - not just a digital collectible, but an active guardian of a genuine cultural treasure.
As an NFT holder you receive:
🔵 Official Membership in the RYW Club - a Swiss non-profit association - with exclusive rights and privileges related to this artifact
🔵 A unique digital artwork - a one-of-a-kind NFT that captures the beauty and spirit of this ancient artifact
🔵 Shared stewardship of the physical artifact - the RYW Club owns and preserves the original object with full provenance for future generations
This is more than ownership. It is participation in the intentional preservation of real cultural heritage.
By acquiring this NFT, you become part of something truly meaningful - not just a digital collectible, but an active guardian of a genuine cultural treasure.
As an NFT holder you receive:
🔵 Official Membership in the RYW Club - a Swiss non-profit association - with exclusive rights and privileges related to this artifact
🔵 A unique digital artwork - a one-of-a-kind NFT that captures the beauty and spirit of this ancient artifact
🔵 Shared stewardship of the physical artifact - the RYW Club owns and preserves the original object with full provenance for future generations
This is more than ownership. It is participation in the intentional preservation of real cultural heritage.
Support Now ↗️
History
The Story Behind the Artifact
This exquisite gold earring originates from the 2nd–1st century BC, a period when Phoenician craftsmanship flourished under Roman influence in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Shaped like a miniature amphora with delicate handles and sophisticated glass inlays, it represents the height of ancient jewelry art. Such pieces were not only decorative but also symbols of status and cultural identity among the elite of Phoenician and Hellenistic society.
This particular earring once belonged to the renowned Kofler-Truniger Collection, one of the most important private collections of ancient art in Switzerland during the 20th century.
Restoration & Craftsmanship
Condition & Conservation
The artifact is in very good condition for its age, with only minor signs of wear consistent with its 2,000-year history.
Current State:
- Minor dents on the base of the amphora
- Small chips on the colored glass disc
- The hook (Bügel) is incomplete (as is common with ancient earrings)
The RYW Club has conducted a professional conservation assessment. The piece is stored in climate-controlled conditions to prevent further oxidation of the gold or degradation of the ancient glass inlays. No major restoration has been necessary, preserving its authentic ancient character.
Provenance
Documented History of Ownership
- Acquired by Archimandrite Nicolas Karam, Beirut, 9 August 1952
- Collection of Ernst & Marthe Kofler-Truniger (1903-1990 & 1918-1999), Lucerne, acquired from the above
- 1964: Exhibited at Kunsthaus Zürich as part of the Kofler-Truniger Collection
- Swiss private collection, Lucerne, acquired from the above circa 1974
- Subsequently inherited by the same Swiss family collection, Lucerne
- 2025: Acquired by the RYW Club for long-term cultural preservation
This earring comes with excellent provenance, including historical documentation from the Kofler-Truniger Collection.
Events
Exhibitions & Appearances
- 1964: Exhibited at Kunsthaus Zürich — “Sammlung E. und M. Kofler-Truniger” (Catalog No. 415)
- Future Events: Private viewings for RYW Club members, possible exhibition loans to selected museums, and digital showcases within the RYW Museum collection.
As an NFT holder, you will receive priority invitations to future physical and virtual events related to this artifact.
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Details
Blockchain Name
Base
Token Standard
ERC-721
Access Token
TBD
Collection Address
ContractCollection Description
RYW Heritage: Phoenician Gold Amphora Earring. Discover the timeless elegance of ancient Phoenician craftsmanship through this rare gold amphora-shaped earring from the 2nd–1st century BC.
Once belonging to the renowned Kofler-Truniger Collection, this masterpiece of gold and glass inlay work now finds its permanent home in the RYW Club Museum.
Through this exclusive collection, a limited number of members can participate in the preservation of this authentic artifact. Each NFT represents official membership in the RYW Association and shared stewardship of this 2,000-year-old cultural treasure.
Join a select group of patrons dedicated to protecting real history — with access to exclusive events, digital archives, and behind-the-scenes insights.
True cultural preservation. Real ownership of the story.
Curator Fee
TBD
(cf.vaults)
Discover the full Details & Specifications
Membership Benefits
Welcome to the RYW Heritage Amphora Earring Collection – our inaugural initiative to preserve ancient heritage through community support. As one of the Phoenician Amphora Earring supporters, you'll join a dedicated group of cultural enthusiasts.
Gain access to educational resources on collecting, storage, and history. Participate in community discussions and non-profit events focused on preservation. Your support helps maintain our collection for public education – a shared commitment to cultural legacy.
Association Membership Details
- Digital Documentation Tokens: Items (TBD) available for supporters
- Supporting Cultural Artifact: Phoenician Gold Amphora Earring (supports preservation efforts)
- Real-World Heritage Piece: Origin: Eastern Mediterranean (Phoenician), 2nd–1st century BC | Material: High-purity gold with dark glass inlays and colored decorative disc | Dimensions: Height 3.2 cm | Condition: Very good original condition with minor wear consistent with age | Provenance: Formerly Kofler-Truniger Collection, exhibited at Kunsthaus Zürich (1964)
What utility and benefits do I get?
As a Heritage supporter, you unlock:
- Exclusive Access: Entry to the members-only platform and invitations to real-world events
- Live Interactions: Regular AMAs (Ask Me Anything), workshops, and talks with icons of the heritage scene
- Members-Only Products: First access and discounts on collabs, merch, and future drops
- Co-Creation Power: A foundational voice in shaping the future of the club through voting and ideation.
Disclaimer: The RYW Club is a non-profit association under Swiss law. These tokens provide membership access only – to events, archives, and educational materials. No ownership rights, no financial returns, and no investment value implied. See statutes for details.
Become a member and support this historic treasure.
Support Now ↗️
By clicking Support Now, you will be redirected to OpenSea – a third-party marketplace. The RYW Club is a non-profit association. Your support enables cultural preservation and grants membership access only. No ownership of assets, no financial returns, no investment value implied.
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