Ca. 300-400 AD A finely carved sardonyx cameo decorated with the emblem of an anchor flanked by two suspended fishes. The symbols seen here, of the anchor and the fish, were ones commonly used in context with Christianity. Examples have been found amongst the catacomb burial sites, on other intaglios and on personal amulets. The anchor is aesthetically similar to the crucifix and was a fitting symbol to be used when Christians wished to hide their faith. Mounted in a later pendant of oval shape with rope edging decoration. For a comparable intaglio see The British Museum 1856,0425.18. Berlin Museum, inv. J.9396. Size: L:22.9mm / W:14.3mm ; 1.48g Provenance: Property of a London gentleman; formerly in a private London collection, acquired on the UK and international art markets before the year 2000.