Phoenician Scaraboid Swivel Gold Ring

$3,725.74

An Ancient Phoenician carnelian scarab mounted on a gold swivel ring, featuring a D-section hoop with a twisted wire design. The scarab presents a flat base engraved with fine incisions, whilst the top is slightly domed and remains unworked. The intaglio comprises a central rectangular panel with an X-motif, containing the letters ‘NEAH’, one in each quadrant. The piece is further enriched by the finely carved images of two ibexes and scorpions, arranged around the central panel.

Closest UK ring size: C.

This item has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art, AIAD certificate number no.11029-181788.

Date: Circa 6th-4th century BC
Provenance: From a deceased Japanese collector, 1970-2015.
Condition: Fine condition, with clear definition of the incisions.

In stock

SKU: MG-218 Category: Tags: , ,

In Ancient Phoenicia, as in many ancient societies, jewellery was an important social marker used to demonstrate wealth, social status and privilege. The amuletic nature of this ring is to attribute to the scarab, which, despite being a uniquely Egyptian innovation, soon became integrated into many neighbouring cultures that were in contact with the Ancient Egyptians, such as the Phoenicians. This ring therefore represents the combination of different characteristics, showing the inter-connectivity of various civilisations in the ancient world through well-established trade routes, with different peoples often borrowing styles and artistic techniques from one another.

Weight 4.9 g
Dimensions W 2.5 x H 2.4 cm
Culture

Region

Metal

Semi-Precious Stones

Reference: For a similar item, please see The British Museum, item 133821

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