Ancient Roman Hematite Magical Gem
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€ 1
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 800 - € 950
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Ancient Roman hematite magical gem depicting King Solomon as a horseman spearing the demoness Lilith, ca. 4th–5th century A.D., about 3.15 cm, in good condition, accompanied by an illustrated Certificate of Authenticity and guaranteed authenticity.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Ancient late Roman Hematite Magical Gem. The gem depicts King Solomon (difficult to see, but with his name written around him, COAOM[WN]) as a horseman spearing the demoness Lilith. In front of the head a star.
These magical gems are in some cases heavily worn, suggesting that they were “touchstones” that were rubbed, held, and turned in the hand. According to the “Testamentum Solomonis“, Solomon received a “Seal of God” from the Archangel Michael, which granted him magical powers; this is why most of the pieces in this group also bear the inscription CΦΡΑΓΙΣ ΘΕΟΥ, “Seal of God,” on the reverse side (Most likely worn away, at this piece, due to heavy use as a “touchstone“) With this seal, Solomon possessed the power to subdue evil demons. These may have been protective amulets for children and adolescents, since Lilith is traditionally regarded as a demon hostile to children; in the broadest sense, they may also have served as pregnancy amulets.
Other examples use the same iconography but rename the figures; in an example from Late Antique Egypt the rider is Saint Sisinnios, who fights the demoness Alabasdria.
For a similar Gems, see:
- Bonner, SMA on CBd-121
- Christie`s Auction 1735, 7 Dec 2006, Ancient Jewelry, Lot 314
- British Museum, 1986,0501.7, 1986,0501.6, 1986,0501.5, 1986,0501.7, 1864,1127.40, 1986,0501.7
Date: Late Roman, ca. 4th - 5th century A.D.
Material: Hematite
Size: ca. 3,15 cm
Condition: chipped
Provenance: Ex GB collection, formed before 1980
Dispatch only to addresses within the EU.
The authenticity of the item is unconditionally guaranteed.
This item is accompanied with an illustrated Certificate of Authenticity.
Ancient late Roman Hematite Magical Gem. The gem depicts King Solomon (difficult to see, but with his name written around him, COAOM[WN]) as a horseman spearing the demoness Lilith. In front of the head a star.
These magical gems are in some cases heavily worn, suggesting that they were “touchstones” that were rubbed, held, and turned in the hand. According to the “Testamentum Solomonis“, Solomon received a “Seal of God” from the Archangel Michael, which granted him magical powers; this is why most of the pieces in this group also bear the inscription CΦΡΑΓΙΣ ΘΕΟΥ, “Seal of God,” on the reverse side (Most likely worn away, at this piece, due to heavy use as a “touchstone“) With this seal, Solomon possessed the power to subdue evil demons. These may have been protective amulets for children and adolescents, since Lilith is traditionally regarded as a demon hostile to children; in the broadest sense, they may also have served as pregnancy amulets.
Other examples use the same iconography but rename the figures; in an example from Late Antique Egypt the rider is Saint Sisinnios, who fights the demoness Alabasdria.
For a similar Gems, see:
- Bonner, SMA on CBd-121
- Christie`s Auction 1735, 7 Dec 2006, Ancient Jewelry, Lot 314
- British Museum, 1986,0501.7, 1986,0501.6, 1986,0501.5, 1986,0501.7, 1864,1127.40, 1986,0501.7
Date: Late Roman, ca. 4th - 5th century A.D.
Material: Hematite
Size: ca. 3,15 cm
Condition: chipped
Provenance: Ex GB collection, formed before 1980
Dispatch only to addresses within the EU.
The authenticity of the item is unconditionally guaranteed.
This item is accompanied with an illustrated Certificate of Authenticity.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
ca. 4th - 5th century A.D.
Name of object
Magical Gem
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Hematite
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Inherited
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
United Kingdom
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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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.
