Ancient Roman silver intaglio ring of a leaping hare

Code: 11023

This is an ancient Roman silver intaglio ring, dating to the 2nd century A.D. The ring is set with the original agate intaglio (gone white) depicting a European Hare. The hare is leaping with the tail up, the gem is set at an angle, this is either on purpose to give more action/movement when worn on the finger, or has slipped from the original horizontal position. Originally the gem would have been cut on a brown agate, but great age has patinated the surfaces white. Thje ring is intact and in excavated condition with an untouched patina.  

OBJECT: Intaglio Ring

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c. 2nd century A.D.

MATERIAL: Silver & agate

RING SIZE:   4 1/2  (US)     I 1/2   (UK)

SIZE: 21mm x 23mm x 4mm x 13mm (intaglio 8mm dia x 5mm) 

WEIGHT:  8.64 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European private collection, Vienna (Austria).