LOT 0103

Roman Sardonyx Snake Gemstone in Medieval Gold Ring

4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D. AND LATER

1 1/4 in. (12.73 grams, 31.46 mm overall, 18.56 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P , USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)).

The tapering gemstone with attractive brown and white banding, intaglio motif of a rearing serpent flanking reversed letters T and C, the body coiled and forming an infinity sign; set in an eastern medieval gold ring with a keeled hollow-form hoop of heavy construction, and applied stepped bezel. [No Reserve]

Private collection, USA.
From the Alexander Gallery, New York, USA, in the early 2000s.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12107-214337.

Cf. for similar gemstones Faraone, C.A., 'Text, Image and Medium, The Evolution of Graeco-Roman Magical Gemstones' in Entwistle, C., Adams, N., Gems of Heaven, recent research on engraved Gemstones in Late Antiquity, c. AD 200-600, London, 2011, pp.50-61, pls.1a-d.

The image on the gemstone can refer to a simplified representation of the radiant serpent-god Chnoubis, invoked to cure stomach ache and heartburn. According to the Greek physician Galen, when worn as an amulet, it benefitted the stomach and the oesophagus.