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LOT 0884
Roman Bronze Ring with Portrait Gemstone of Venus
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (5.22 grams, 22.85 mm overall, 17.76 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)).
Hoop with broad shoulders and inset carnelian wheel cut intaglio with portrait bust of Venus.
ProvenanceFrom a London, UK, private collection since the early 2000s.
LiteratureCf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 194, for type.
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:
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Roman Bronze Ring with XLVIII
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Slender hoop with rectangular bezel stamped 'XLVIII' (48). 1.11 grams, 21.65 mm overall, 19.01 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman and Later Hardstone Gemstone Collection
2nd century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £819
Including biconvex and plano-convex types with incuse enthroned king, amphora, eagle and other motifs; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 9.57 grams total, 11-18 mm
Private collection, England. -
Roman Silver Ring with Early Christian Gemstone
4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £585
D-section hoop, elliptical in plan, with raised oval bezel set with a jasper intaglio engraved with inverted Greek inscription 'IXΘYC' (ichthys, meaning 'fish"), a Greek acronym for 'Jesus Christ, Son of God; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 9.18 grams, 21.91 mm overall, 18.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)
Private collector, acquired in the early 1990s. Private collection, England.
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.
