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Details
LOT 0823
Roman and Other Blue and Green Glass Bead Necklace String
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D. AND LATER
17 1/2 in. (27.72 grams, 44.5 cm).
Composed mainly of oblate and annular beads, the central feature composed of larger beads with a large ovoid bead; restrung. [No Reserve]
Provenance
From London, UK, gallery collection, 1990s.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0823
Roman and Other Blue and Green Glass Bead Necklace String
Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
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The term ichthys is the equivalent of the ancient Greek: ixθus, ichthýs ('fish'), used by early Christians to refer to Jesus Christ. For this reason, the fish symbol was very common in the catacombs of Rome. In particular, the ichthys is one of the oldest Christian symbols that has come down to us. Used covertly by Christians to mask their faith from Roman persecutors, when a Christian encountered a stranger whose loyalty he needed to know, he would draw one of the arches that make up the ichthys in the sand. If the stranger completed the sign, the two individuals recognised each other as followers of Christ. The symbol was also drawn on the doors of the houses of Christian families. Its use spread in the 3rd century to personal effects such as the ring offered here.