Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0626
Roman Epigraphic Gemstone with Head of Zeus Serapis
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.OR LATER
1/2 in. (0.86 grams, 12 mm).
A gemstone with one side incised with the head of Zeus Serapis wearing a modius crown, seen in profile to the left, surrounded by Greek letters I,Λ,φ, ν, Λ,Λ,Ϲ,Ϲ,Ε,Δ; the other side with enigmatic inscription 'BIKIω PIΗΔνMΗ IΔ φI ΛA'.
Provenance
Acquired before 1988.
Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.
Literature
Cf. Henig, M. and MacGregor, A., Catalogue of the Engraved Gems and Finger-Rings in the Ashmolean Museum. II. Roman, Oxford, 2004, no. 1.104, for a parallel.
Footnotes
Serapis was a Graeco-Egyptian god, whose cult was popularised during the 3rd century B.C. on the orders of Ptolemy I of Egypt, to facilitate the religious syncretism of his kingdom. During the Roman Empire his image was widely diffused in the east. Usually a third of these gems carry magical words which shows that they were used as amulets or for some other ritual purpose. These magical gems were inscribed with acclamations or prayers that suggest they were used as amulets for protection (in this case of Serapis) or to acquire charm, but only some of them can be linked with some divinatory or prophylactic purpose.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Phallic Pendant
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
A bronze phallic pendant with stylised anatomical detailing and integral suspension loop. 8.28 grams, 30 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. -
Large Roman Iridescent Glass Vessel
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
A broad cylindrical bottle with broad shoulder, slender neck, stepped neck and upwards-flaring rim, two applied rectangular handles; iridescent surfaces. 143 grams, 17 cm high
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998. -
Roman and Other Bead Necklace
1st century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £39
A restrung group of mainly opaque blue glass beads of various types. 9.54 grams, 65 cm long
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.