Roman Magical Gnostic Gemstone

A carnelian intaglio of Asclepius in a loosely draped himation with serpent coiled around his forearm, probably Asclepius the Greek god of healing; set into a later gold ring. 4.99 grams, 23.32 mm overall, 16.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)



Ex private East Coast, USA, collection. with Artemis Gallery, Colorado, USA, 21 February 2017. English private collection. Accompanied by a copy of a certificate of authenticity from Artemis Gallery, dated 21 February 2017.

Asclepius was the Graeco-Roman god of medicine, healing, prophecy and a son of Apollo and Coronis. He had two daughters with Epione, the goddess of soothing- Hygeia (goddess of health) and Panacea (goddess of healing). As a child, Asclepius was given to the centaur Chiron, who raised him in the ways of the healing arts. During his training, Asclepius healed a snake, which in turn granted him secret knowledge. Asclepius became such a proficient healer that he discovered a way to resurrect the dead, for which Zeus had him killed, in order to maintain the balance of life on Earth, placing him on the night sky under the constellation of the Ophiuchus (the snake holder).

A bronze key composed of a tapering shaft with hatched and notched detailing, finial in the form of a bust with stylised facial detailing, rectangular openwork ward; perforated through the finial for suspension. 30.7 grams, 79 mm



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

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.