A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE
A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE
A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE
A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE
A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE
A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE
A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE
A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE
A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE
A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE
A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE
A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE
A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE
A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE

A Roman Gold and Agate Finger Ring, ca. 2nd century CE

RJ2012

3,500 USD
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a high karat gold hollow ring, the high bezel set with an agate intaglio with white inclusions that depicts the fertility god Priapus, shown in profile, with erect phallus and holding a long staff.

In Greek mythology, Priapus was a  fertility god, protector of livestock, fruit plants, gardens, and male genitalia. Priapus is marked by his oversized, permanent erection, which gave rise to the medical term priapism. He became a popular figure in Roman erotic art and Latin literature and is the subject of the often humorously obscene collection of verse called the Priapeia.

For ring style comparison: Patricia F. Davidson, Andrew Oliver, Jr.; "Ancient Greek and Roman gold jewelry in the Brooklyn Museum" (Brooklyn, 1984)

Dimensions: US ring size 6 1/2  (UK=N, DE=17, CH=14, JP=13)

Condition: There is a small chip to the lower edge of the intaglio that does not detract, otherwise intact and in very good condition overall.

Provenance:  Private Texas collection, acquired from the Montreal, Canada trade in the mid-1980s.

Sands of Time provides a lifetime, unconditional guarantee of authenticity and provenance. Every object you purchase from us is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, stating culture, provenance, and age.

Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.

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