Designed as the Persepolis Lion, pear-shaped green chalcedony cabochon, 18k yellow gold (pendant and necklace each with French marks), engraved at the reverse 'BAL DU CINQUANTENAIRE DES PETITS LITS BLANCS IRAN, 28 OCTOBRE 1971,' circa 1970, pendant signed Van Cleef & Arpels, necklace signed VCA, pendant and necklace each numbered, pendant and necklace each with maker's mark (Georges L'Enfant), pendant detachable

Size/Dimensions: pendant 9.2 x 8.3 cm (3⁵⁄₈ x 3¹⁄₄ in), necklace 63.5 cm (25 in)
Gross Weight: 111.5 grams

É. Possémé, Van Cleef & Arpels: The Art of High Jewelry, Paris, Les Arts Décoratifs, 2012, p. 202

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Lot Essay

In 1971, the Shah of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, commemorated the 2,500^thanniversary of the Persian Empire with a grand celebration in Persepolis. Held over three days, the opulent gathering was attended by emperors, kings, presidents and sheikhs from all over the world, all convened to honor the ancient legacy of Persia.

A few weeks later, on October 28, another celebration was held nearby to celebrate the 50^thanniversary of ‘Bals des petits lits blancs,’ a French charity dedicated to benefiting children affected by tuberculosis. The present lot was specifically created for this occasion and gifted to a select group of distinguished guests.

Depicting the lion of Persepolis, a longstanding symbol of divine protection in Iranian mythology, the pendant embodies both the richness of Persian cultural legacy and Van Cleef & Arpels’ fascination with animal symbolism.