Ancient Roman Silver Large Solid Ring with Symplegmata

Solid silver ring, shank with widening shoulder, the bezel deeply engraved with a symplegmata comprising a central fountain or basin modelled as a cantharus, a dove of Venus above and a small helmeted head at the foot representing Mars or Athena. An olive branch and ear of wheat fillers. The scene appears to be blending opposing but complementary virtues “Love and War” or “Peace and Wisdom”. The wearer might have hoped for abundance and a refreshing life. Exquisite details. In Roman gem carving, these dense, seemingly random combinations of miniature objects are known as symplegmata. They were designed as personalised, talismanic amulets to bring good fortune, signal the wearer's devotion, or function as a secure personal signature when pressed into wax.


Size: USA= 9 1/2 - GB= S/T - 2 cm inside D
Material: Silver, 13.6 grms
Culture: Roman, c. 1st-2nd Century A.D.
Condition: Intact


Provenance: Private UK collection, acquired prior to 2000.
The seller guarantees that this item has been legally acquired & will be legally exported, related documents seen by Catawiki.
This item do not need an export licence within the EU.
The seller will inform the buyer if it needs a UK export licence outside the EU

Worldwide shipping by Registered Mail.
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
N.B. Import duties may be incurred on orders shipped to countries outside the UK.
Notice: We are not able to ship to Greece and Cyprus.


Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as an analysis of metals(XRF-test) have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.