Roman Glass Flask

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.

Penannular in profile with hatching to the outer face. 26 grams, 69 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Swept in profile comprising a horizontal crescentic panel to attach to the rim, with inlaid silver detailing, recurved cobra-shaped thumb pad, raised serpent to the outer face of the tapering handle, finial a mask of Bacchus or Pan, facing with volute scrolls to the brow and thick splayed beard; silver diadem. 118 grams, 14.4 cm



Private collection. with Christie's, London, 11 June 1997, no.97 (part). with Bonhams, 13 April 2000, no.198. Private collection, Europe.