Ancient Eastern Mediterranean, Phoenicia, ca. 6th century BCE. A gorgeous set of two hand-made silver finger rings, each with a petite band with volute terminals attached to the larger ring face. One ring has a circular face adorned by a radiating motif which surrounds a central incised circle, perhaps representative of the sun. The second, larger ring boasts an ovoid face with a recessed tondo decorated with stippled triangular designs and solid crescent bands. The Phoenicians were a collection of highly independent maritime-trading city-states who we know about mainly the Greeks; the name Phoenician was given to these people by the Greeks. We believe that it is derived from the word phoenix, signifying the color purple-red, an allusion to their prized purple dye. A stunning ensemble! US sizes 3 (smaller) and 6.75 (larger); total weight: 10.2 grams.

Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection; ex-Christie's December 13, 2013 New York Antiquities Auction, part of lot 231; ex-Gold & Silver Auction Part II, Ancient to Renaissance, Taisei Gallery, New York, November 2, 1992, lot 137

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#132748

Both rings are wearable as shown. Larger ring has area of wear on the midpoint of the band. Smaller ring has losses to portions of volutes on both termini. Both rings have surface wear commensurate with age, light tarnishing to most surfaces, fading to incised details, and slight bending to band forms, otherwise excellent. Light earthen deposits within recessed areas.