Roman Carnelian Intaglio Sphinx (in Gold Ring)
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Description
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A pretty Roman carnelian intaglio of a stylized sphinx striding left set in a modern 18K gold ring. The ring is comprised of a raised, annular bezel with 3 baubles on each shoulder and a bifurcated band. Although the Great Sphinx of Giza is certainly the most famous, sphinxes have a large place in Classical mythology as well - probably because of the intermixing of Egyptian and Classical culture via trade routes across the Mediterranean. The Greco-Roman version of the sphinx, unlike the male Egyptian one, is the head of a human female, the body of a lioness, the wings of an eagle, and a serpent's tail. Size of ring: 1" L x 0.9" W (2.5 cm x 2.3 cm); of intaglio: 0.3" W (0.8 cm); US ring size: 9.75; quality of gold: 77.33% (equivalent to over 18 karats); weight: 5.1 grams
Provenance: private Danvers, Massachusetts, USA collection, acquired by descent; ex-USA collection, acquired before 2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#179218
Provenance: private Danvers, Massachusetts, USA collection, acquired by descent; ex-USA collection, acquired before 2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#179218
Condition
Minor nick to intaglio, but otherwise intact, wearable, and in excellent overall condition. Carnelian is ancient; ring setting is modern. Light encrustations to recessed areas of ring setting.
Buyer's Premium
- 26.5%
Roman Carnelian Intaglio Sphinx (in Gold Ring)
Estimate $1,300 - $1,950
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Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
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Payment
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Auction Curated By
Owner/Executive Director, Antiquities & Pre-Columbian Art
PhD. Art History, Director, Fine & Visual Arts
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