Loading, please wait...
LOT 0093
Gnostic Epigraphic Gemstone
3RD-5TH CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (1.25 grams, 14 mm).
An engraved gemstone with a stylised image of Harpocrates, depicted as a naked child with a finger raised on his mouth, seated on a lotus flower in a boat, groups of wild animals arranged in threes surrounding; the other side with a magic inscription in Greek letters 'I, E, A, P, Φ, K, Ο, Γ'.
ProvenanceAcquired before 1988.
Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.
See Sfameni, C., 'Magic in Late Antiquity: the evidence of magical gems' in Late Antique Archaeology, Volume: 6 Issues: 1, 2010, pp.435-473, fig.6, for a gem intaglio with similar feature.
FootnotesEgyptian deities are often represented on magical gems. One of the most interesting figures is the image of Harpocrates seated on a lotus flower, called ‘the young sun’. This figure had a solar nature and a protective function.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Fresco Painted Wall Plaster Collection
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
A mixed group of coarse white wall plaster fragments from a fresco, with painted designs in white, ochre, claret, crimson and blue. 10 kg total, 7.4-12 cm
Fair condition.
Acquired in the 19th century. Jeger collection, Switzerland. Property of an English gentleman. -
Roman Gold Necklace Element and Earring Set
2nd century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
A suite of gold and garnet jewellery, comprising a matching pair of gold earrings, each composed of a hollow crescentic body tapering to slender coiled wire terminals, a suspension loop to each shoulder, large tear-shaped cell to front with granulated border, set with a polished garnet cabochon, gold bulbs below in the form of a bunch of grapes, adorned with smaller granules and three cells set with polished garnet cabochons; the necklace elements comprising graduated beads, alternating between roughly spherical polished garnets and sheet-gold beads of various types including gusseted, biconical and tubular, two floral filigree pendants flanking a central pendant ornamented with 'plaited' and plain filigree wire with granules to the outside, finial of trefoil bulbs, central corrugated cell set with a polished garnet cabochon; mounted on a custom-made perspex display base. 435 grams total, display stand: 30 x 23.5 cm (earrings: 38 mm each)
Ex private European collection, 1970s. with Genève Enchères, 14 December 2017, Lot 999. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11584-199015.
Beryls, used as small pendants, and not placed horizontally, characterised Roman necklaces of 2nd century A.D. A typical example is the necklace found in the grave of Crepereia Tryphaena. The contents of the grave are dated to the Antonine age based on the sarcophagus, the inscription and the hairstyle of the doll it contains. -
Roman Gold Ring with Warrior Gemstone
1st century B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
A hollow-formed gold finger ring with inset carnelian intaglio scene with reclining warrior surrounded by his arms and armour. 1.16 grams, 17.75 mm overall, 14.32 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F, USA 2 3/4, Europe 3.67, Japan 3)
with Bertolami Fine Art, 22 April 2022, lot 148. English private collection.
