Bertolami Fine Art - Riversdell Close 27, KT16 9JW Chertsey
Auction 86 - Glyptics and Ancient Jewelry sessione unica
Wednesday 9 December 2020 hours 14:00 (UTC +01:00)
A rare eastern roman onyx intaglio. Allegorical emblema.
A rare eastern roman onyx intaglio. Allegorical emblema.
1st - 3rd century A.D.
12 x 17 x 3 mm
The representation is characterized by a stylized and symmetrical emblem structure, depicting racemes of grapes with bunches; in the center, probably a thyrsus or a scepter referable to the Dionysiac sphere. The unusual composition is known from some rare specimens, probably referable to eastern regions. Attractive variety of stone, finely engraved. The back has a chipped surface.
Parallels: Antiken Gemmen in deutschen sammlungen, band I, Staatliche Munzsammlung Munchen, teil 3, p. 116 n. 2879.
European private collection.