Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0144

Roman Gold Ring with Cult of Jupiter Dolichenus Bull Gemstone

2ND CENTURY A.D.

1 in. (4.41 grams, 26.31 mm overall, 18.49 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)).

A solid, smooth gold ring with D-shaped hoop, oval carnelian intaglio with a bull surmounted by a star; repaired.

Provenance

Acquired 1970-2000s.
Ex Abelita family collection.

Literature

Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und der Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch Altenberg, 2017, item 153, for type; for the Dolichenus cult see Kusseven, P., The Cult of Iupiter Dolichenus: origins and iconography, Ankara, 2007, p.120, fig.B15.

Footnotes

The bull, symbol of thunder and fertility, was an important component of the cult of Jupiter Dolichenus, to which this ring is probably connected. The god is usually represented as standing on a bull holding an axe in his upraised right hand and a bolt of lightning in the left. This bull perpetuated the connection with storms, a frequent and rather obvious identification of power and ferocity. This was a Hittite concept inherited from the Anatolians and then by the Romans.

CONDITION

VETTING:

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.

LOT 0144

Roman Gold Ring with Cult of Jupiter Dolichenus Bull Gemstone

Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,105

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Roman Aubergine Mould Blown Amphoriskos
    Roman Aubergine Mould Blown Amphoriskos
    1st century A.D.

    Estimate: £300 - 400 (‡+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £150

    An aubergine-coloured miniature egg-shaped juglet with applied handle and integral foot, mould-blown decoration formed as a medial frieze of scrolling motifs and lines radiating upwards from the base; iridescent surfaces; chipped rim. 17.3 grams, 66 mm high



    Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Magical Gnostic Gemstone in Silver Ring
    Roman Magical Gnostic Gemstone in Silver Ring
    2nd-3rd century A.D. and later

    Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £550

    A glass intaglio with Gnostic symbolism including a figure emerging from a poppy-head, asterisks and other symbols; set in an early 20th century silver finger ring; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 12.32 grams, 25.86 mm overall, 19.79 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)



    Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Mouse Holding Nut
    Roman Mouse Holding Nut
    1st-3rd century A.D.

    Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £100

    A freestanding bronze figure of a mouse sitting on its haunches, eating a large nut, stylised incised detailing to its textured coat, feet, ears and face; small socket to wedge-shaped base. 17.8 grams, 27 mm



    Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list