Ancient-Jewellery

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Roman gold intaglio ring of a recumbent lion

SOLD

Code: 10948



This is an ancient Roman gold intaglio ring, dating to the 3rd century A.D. It is set with its original carnelian gemstone,  cut with an image of a recumbent lion. The ring is in excavated condition, as such has been buried in the ground. The hoop has several fractures and therefore no longer wearable.

Discussion: This is a ring of well-known Roman type, octagonal with raised bezel, and there are parallels from Piercebridge (NCL-914391) and the Wall region (cf Barbara Birley and Elizabeth Greene, The Roman Jewellery from Vindolanda Research Report NS IV Fascicule V Beads, Intaglios, Finger Rings, Bracelets and Ear Rings (Vindolanda Trust 2006) pp,123-4 and fig.3.3, SF300) see LANCUM-313319BUC-2D8DA5, and WAW-799E22 for further discussion of type.

The size of the ring would suggest it once belonged to a child, with the lion acting as a guardian. The gem is intact so so the ring but has a misshapen hoop from its time buried in the ground. A nice and original ring in excavated condition.

OBJECT: Intaglio Ring

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c. 3rd century A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold & Carnelian

RING SIZE:  3  (US)     F  (UK)

SIZE: 17mm x 17mm x 10mm (intaglio 10mm x 3mm)

WEIGHT: 2.78 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European private collection.