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Ancient Roman Hippocampus intaglio ring, circa 150-250 AD.

Yellow Gold, Onyx

£16,500

Ancient Roman Hippocampus intaglio ring. Set with an oval nicolo onyx intaglio depicting a hippocampus facing left, in a closed back roman-set setting, flanked by broad integrated shoulders and flowing through to a solid flat shank. Tested yellow gold, approximately 10.3g in weight, circa 150-250 AD.
Reserve Item Purchase
Reference Number 28589
Ring size: M 1/2 The majority of items can be re-sized free of charge.
Period Ancient Roman
TOTAL / RING Weight 10.3 grams
Metal Yellow Gold
Gemstone Onyx, Intaglio
This ring was discovered in Barwell, Leicestershire in 2022 whilst metal detecting cultivated land.
This ring is in fine condition, commensurate with its age.
A hippocampus is a sea monster, a mix of horse ('hippo' in Greek) in the front and fish ('campos' in Greek) in the back. In Greek mythology the hippocampus appears as the draught animal or mount for various sea gods, including Neptune. It also appears in Pictish, Phoenician, Etruscan, and Roman cultures, often displayed or described as drawing the chariot of sea divinities.

This intaglio is carved from nicolo, a type of onyx intaglio whereby a thin layer of design showcasing a translucent bluish/grey colour lays atop blacker onyx, bringing the image to the fore. Nicolo intaglios date back to ancient times.

This ring was likely worn by an individual engaged in trade, naval affairs, or seeking Neptune’s favour for success in maritime endeavors.
Ancient Roman Hippocampus intaglio ring, circa 150-250 AD.
Ancient Roman Hippocampus intaglio ring. Set with an oval nicolo onyx intaglio depicting a hippocampus facing left, in a closed back roman-set setting, flanked by broad integrated shoulders and flowing through to a solid flat shank. Tested yellow gold, approximately 10.3g in weight, circa 150-250 AD.
28589
blue
Yellow Gold
https://www.berganza.com/images/jewellery/jewelleryitemphoto_21713_8.jpg
InStock
GBP
16500.00
UsedCondition