Roman Silver Ring with Minerva

Modelled in the round with scale detailing, pellet eyes, rectangular mounting lug. 25.4 grams, 44 mm



Property of the vendor's grandfather, thence by family descent, circa 1985. From the private collection of a New York, USA gentleman.

Greenish-light blue glass, long and narrow body, splayed rim. 7.72 grams, 88 mm high



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

During the early Roman period the glass-making techniques used by the Greeks were continued. Much of the glass was buried and as a result acquired an attractive lustrous patination. Roman glass became a medium for the promotion of the emperor and imperial propaganda, as well as being used as containers for various uses. Glass blowing, a new technique, meant that quantities of identical bottles could be produced.

With a hollow-form hoop expanding at the shoulders, raised bezel set with a dark blue nicolo intaglio engraved with a pair of birds, one standing and the other stooped to pick something from the ground with its beak. 5.75 grams, 25.12 mm overall, 14.69 x 18.30 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)



From the collection of late AB, London, UK, 1990s. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information slip.

The type of ring (type II, variant I of Ruseva-Slokoska classification) is characterised by the ellipsoid hoop, rounded on the outside, widening to a horizontal triangular shape. The nicolo was often employed in rings of the 2nd-3rd century A.D.