Western Asiatic Carnelian Intaglio with Profile






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Western Asiatic carneli an intaglio with profile, titled Intaglio with Profile, circa 1st century BC–1st century AD, measuring 2 cm by 1.6 cm, perforated for suspension, in fair condition; authentic original.
Description from the seller
A fine Western Asiatic carnelian intaglio featuring a portrait in profile. The intaglio is oval in shape with a trapezoid profile and a flat reverse. The obverse has been carved with a bust of a person facing left. The figure has a shoulder-length hair, a simple headdress, reminiscent of a diadem, and androgynous facial features. The reverse is smooth and unadorned. The intaglio is perforated for suspension. Signs of wear as consistent with age such as minor scratches and pitting to the obverse. Chip to the lower edge of the face, chipping to the edges around the reverse, stable cracks near the chip.
The term intaglio refers to a small image that has been engraved into a gemstone and usually set in a piece of jewellery, most commonly a ring. The subject used for intaglios are diverse, with depictions of deities and mythical creatures being a favourite theme. Combinations of human heads and animal parts are known as grylloi (γρύλλοι). While being an amusing and favoured decorative motif, grylloi served apotropaic functions to ward off the evils. As explained by Plutarch in the Quaestiones Convivales, they had the ability to “attract the evil eye and thus lessens its force against its victims”.
Measurements: (circa) L 2cm x W 1.6cm
Provenance: From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
Seller's Story
A fine Western Asiatic carnelian intaglio featuring a portrait in profile. The intaglio is oval in shape with a trapezoid profile and a flat reverse. The obverse has been carved with a bust of a person facing left. The figure has a shoulder-length hair, a simple headdress, reminiscent of a diadem, and androgynous facial features. The reverse is smooth and unadorned. The intaglio is perforated for suspension. Signs of wear as consistent with age such as minor scratches and pitting to the obverse. Chip to the lower edge of the face, chipping to the edges around the reverse, stable cracks near the chip.
The term intaglio refers to a small image that has been engraved into a gemstone and usually set in a piece of jewellery, most commonly a ring. The subject used for intaglios are diverse, with depictions of deities and mythical creatures being a favourite theme. Combinations of human heads and animal parts are known as grylloi (γρύλλοι). While being an amusing and favoured decorative motif, grylloi served apotropaic functions to ward off the evils. As explained by Plutarch in the Quaestiones Convivales, they had the ability to “attract the evil eye and thus lessens its force against its victims”.
Measurements: (circa) L 2cm x W 1.6cm
Provenance: From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
Seller's Story
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
