Roman Gold-Plated Bronze Ring with Bust of Minerva

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. 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)



Acquired 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.

Fanciful 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.

Comprising a hollow-form round-section hoop widening towards the shoulders, set with a table-cut garnet or paste with foil backing, polished. 1.55 grams, 21.78 mm overall, 15.63 x 14.16 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)



From the old family collection of a West Country, UK, lady; acquired by descent from her grandfather circa 2001.

The ring belongs to variant 3, type 1, of the Slokovska classification. The type of ring is characteristic of the Early Imperial Age. Similar rings with the same typology of gemstones have also been found in Kerch.

Plano-convex type with incuse design to the underside of a bird advancing on a baseline, head turned to the rear with a tendril in its beak; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.06 grams, 14 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.