4th-2nd century BC. A trapezoidal bronze matrix, likely for jewellery production, bearing an acanth leaf motif in relief to one face, with delicate detailing. Cf. Treister, M., 'Bronze Matrices from George Ortiz Collection', in Calinescu, A. (ed.) Ancient Jewelry and Archaeology: Proceedings of International Symposium dedicated to the memory of Burton Y.Berry, Bloomington, September 1991 Bloomington, Indianapolis, 1991, pp.172-184. 80 grams, 57mm (2 1/4"). German collection before 2000. Collection of Mr.D.H., formed in UK, from the EU art market. Property of a Surrey gentleman. In antiquity, matrices for raising jewellery elements, ornaments and plaques were made of bronze, stone or reinforced terracotta. Matrices with designs in relief were ed as an alternative to matrices with hollow designs or intaglio matrices.