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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]
ProvenancePrivate 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.
FootnotesThe 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.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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LOT 0103
Roman Sardonyx Snake Gemstone in Medieval Gold Ring
Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
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Late Roman Gold Ring with Facing Birds
Circa 5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,470
With a heavy round-section hoop thickened at the base, lentoid bezel with ropework border and two opposing cockerels. 14.42 grams, 24.86 mm overall, 17.53 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Believed to have been acquired at Christie's. Property of a North American gallery. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12109-214332. -
Roman 'British' Ring Gemstone with Portrait
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Ellipsoid glass insert with profile portrait bust to one face. 2.11 grams, 14 mm
Found UK. From the collection of C. Sullivan, UK, 1990s.
The same portrait appears on 'horse and rider' plate brooches. -
Large Roman 'Upchurch' Greyware Storage Jar
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
With everted rim and decorative geometric band to the shoulder. 1.98 kg, 28 cm wide
Found Upchurch Marshes, Kent, UK, in the 1980s. Ex Winter Collection, Kent, UK.
The Roman pottery kilns on what are now the tidal marshes at Upchurch, Kent, are justly famed as a thriving pottery production area with many kiln and related sites. The London clay in this area is of fine quality and was thus suitable for pottery making. With the rise in the sea level, the area is now mostly inundated and, as tidal forces erode the silts, pottery (often 'seconds'), is sometimes exposed. The soft muds and general inaccessibility of the area make collection difficult.
