Lot 46A
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A finely crafted silver ring featuring a bezel set with a deep red jasper intaglio, engraved with the image of a war ship under sail. The vessel is depicted with a curving hull, vertical mast, and rigging lines, all neatly incised to emphasize balance and motion. Such imagery would have resonated strongly in Roman society, where naval power was a defining force of expansion and control throughout the Mediterranean. Rings of this type served not only as personal adornments but also as seals, the intaglio pressed into wax or clay to mark ownership and authority. The choice of a war ship would have reflected the owners connection to military or maritime life, whether as a sailor, merchant, or officer. Jasper, with its durability and rich color, was a favored gemstone for Roman intaglios, valued both for its beauty and its protective associations. Size of intaglio: 0.375" L x 0.25" W (1 cm x 0.6 cm); of ring: 1" Diameter (2.5 cm); US ring size: 6.5; silver quality: 92.5%; weight: 9.4 grams
This piece survives in excellent condition, the silver showing a soft patina from age, while the intaglio retains its crisp carving and polished surface. A remarkable emblem of Roman naval might, encapsulated in a wearable miniature.
Provenance: ex-T.F. Holy Lands collection, formed since the 1960s; ex-private UK collection; ex-Vienna, Austria collection, 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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#195363
- Condition: Some minor chips to pie crust bezel and light surface wear to silver, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable with nicely preserved detail and soft patina.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping
Artemis Fine Arts
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 + | $500 |