An Antique Gold and Black Hardstone Greco-Roman Intaglio Ring

14k gold ring. This attractive oval carnelian intaglio ring features a handsome figure of a Greco-Roman soldier, facing to the right and set with off by simple shoulders. Marks: None...

Roman Ring with Intaglio of Mars Roman, 4th century AD, intaglio 3rd century AD Gold, nicolo Weight: 15.3 gr.; Circumference: 49.32 mm.; US size 5; UK size J ½ This deceptively heavy gold ring...

A fine antique intaglio ring. Likely converted from an antique button or pin. In 14k gold With a carved carnelian cabochon depicting an unidentified Roman hero. Marked 14k to the...

A Roman onyx intaglio and yellow gold ring, the oval- shaped onyx measuring approximately 11 x 8.5 mm, depicting Dionysus leaning on a column and holding a kantharos, carved in 1st-2nd century AD, rub-over set in later yellow gold mount, testing as 20ct gold, circa 1830, head measuring 1.8x1.5cm, gross weight 11.6 grams. Finger size K 1/2 This exquisite antique intaglio ring...

A very unusual antique gold ring set with a carved brown and white hardstone cameo depicting the theatrical comic mask of Silenus, the Greek mythological old rustic god of wine-making and drunkenness. The ring was made in the late 19th century and carries French control marks for 18K gold, whilst the cameo is probably Italian and made slightly earlier, circa 1800. Silenus was a companion to the wine god Dionysus, and suitably he was a notorious consumer of wine, usually drunk and supported by satyrs or carried by a donkey. Silenus was described as the oldest, wisest and most drunken of the followers of Dionysus, and was said to possess special knowledge and the power of prophecy when intoxicated. He presides over the other satyrs and is related to musical creativity, prophetic ecstasy, drunken joy and drunken dances. Silenus was usually depicted as a jovial old man, bald yet bearded, with a pot-belly, thick lips and snub-nose. The masks worn to play him in theatre really emphasised these features, as you can see with this cameo carving Theatre was a key part of ancient Greek culture. The theatrical masks worn by the actors, known as ‘prosopon’, served various purposes. They enabled individual actors to play multiple roles (or genders) in the same performance; the exaggerated expressions helped define the character being portrayed; they helped spectators in the back rows to tell the characters apart. This particular masked as mentioned before is a comedic Silenus, please see final photo for other examples of Silenus masks in museum collections. UK size N 1/2, US size 7 4.84g 18K gold French ‘tête...

Roman, circa 2nd – 1st centuries BC A museum quality, finely modeled, high carat (approximately 22.5K), hollow gold signet ring is set with an oval amethyst intaglio...