Lot 171 | A rare roman black glass cameo set in an ancient gold ring. Theatrical mask.

Bertolami Fine Art - Riversdell Close 27, KT16 9JW Chertsey

A rare roman black glass cameo set in an ancient gold ring. Theatrical mask.

A rare roman black glass cameo set in an ancient gold ring. Theatrical mask.

1st-2nd century A.D.

Dim : 20 x 27 mm
ring : 21 x 22 mm
9,45 g

This specimen is included into a specific category of Roman rings with a casted glass paste (cf. Wien, Kunsthistrischen Museum inv. XI B 29 ss.). The tragic theatrical mask is melted in a dark glass and perforated with two holes passing through the thickness of the piece. In these two holes pass two filaments of solid gold which join together with the two thicker golden rods which form the ring. Specimen in excellent condition, with patina deposits. Rare.

Parallels: Die Antiken Gemmen des Kunsthistorischen Museums in Wien, Band III, p. 229 n. 2518.

U.K. private collection 1985. Formerly in Arthur Sambon (1867-1947) collection.