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LOT 0167
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Gryllus in Gold Ring
2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (9.29 grams, 23.83 mm overall, 20.32 x 17.88 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)).
Translucent oval intaglio featuring a standing gryllus wearing a gryphon-headed helmet, flanked by the inscription 'KAΛHI' meaning 'to the beautiful one'; set in a later gold ring with a D-section hoop; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceAcquired on the European art market.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13322-257896.
Cf. Lapatin, K., 'Grylloi' in Entwistle, C., Adams, N., Gems of Heaven, recent research on engraved Gemstones in Late Antiquity, c. AD 200-600, London, 2011, pp.50-61, pls.88-98, for various examples of similar gemstones.
FootnotesFanciful combinations of various human and animal heads, sometimes with the addition of other elements, are generally called grylloi. These fantastic devices were more than mere artists' fancies and were worn by the ancient Romans and others for their supposed efficacy in averting the evil eye.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0167
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Gryllus in Gold Ring
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£1,100 (EUR 1,276; USD 1,485) +BP*
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Roman Glass and Polished Stone Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D. and laterEstimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Restrung group of mainly glass beads of oblate, spherical, cylindrical, polyhedral and other types. 72.9 grams, 66 cm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet(s) with reference no.A101. -
Roman Gold Double Ring with Bead
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £275
Comprising two broad sheet-gold hoops, each with reeded outer face, joined with applied granules below and a wire loop above, securing a facetted glass bead. 3.52 grams, 31 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Openwork Mount
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Trapezoidal plaque with openwork scroll detailing, pierced at each corner for attachment, voided tab at the lower edge. 8.78 grams, 41 mm
Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, Suffolk, UK.
