Ancient Roman Sphinx intaglio ring. Centrally set with an oval cornelian intaglio in a closed back Roman set setting featuring a finely carved Sphinx and the letters 'S A', surrounded by a fine wirework border and granulated edge, leading to split shoulders with granule detailing and flowing through to a solid D-shape shank with beaded decoration around the full circumference. Tested yellow gold, approximate weight 6.77g, circa 1st- 2nd century AD.
In Greek mythology, the sphinx was mythical monster, which had the head of a human and the body of a lioness, the wings of an eagle, and a serpent-headed tail. The sphinx motif was commonly used during the Renaissance period in decorative art, which was also exported and transformed into many other cultures later.
This ring has fine motifs with decorative details which make it a rare museum quality piece.
