Superb large Cameo shell brooch, depicting God of wine, Bacchus, set in 9 carat yellow gold, in excellent condition. The cameo shell has an exquisite clean cut in high relief, museum quality and it is set in beautifully 9 carat gold frame. This brooch is highly detailed, the carving is exquisite, the vine leaves and grapes are beautifully formed, the pony tail amazingly carved in sardonyx shell. Please note that this is a heavy and large brooch and would be suitable for heavy garments. It closes in a C clasp. Dating late 1800’s. In this cameo is depicted Bacchus/Dionysus himself, the pony tail and the vine leaves are conclusive. Bacchus / Dionysus frequently has an effeminate look, he first assigned male, then lived as a girl until reaching adulthood, only to reject both binaries and embrace a bigender identity that caused great anxiety to the category loving Greeks. "Dionysus, also spelled Dionysos, also called Bacchus in Greek mythology, a nature god of fruitfulness and vegetation, especially known as a GOD OF WINE and ecstasy. ... Dionysus was the son of Zeus and Semele. Like all of the Twelve Olympians, Dionysus was an immortal and powerful god. He had special powers of making wine and causing vines to grow. " Measurements Weight approximately 21.70 grams Length approximately 6 centimetres Wide approximately 5 centimetres Hallmarked 9ct for 9 carat gold Note: Many of my items are vintage and are therefore likely to show some age-related wear. This can include things such as: scratches, discolouration etc. Please be sure to look through each photograph carefully and read the description fully, to get an idea of quality. Presents a small imperfection near Bacchus hairline, similar to a black dot, and few stress lines not visible. Photos have been taken in natural light/ sunlight, and they have not been edited. Import charges are buyers responsibility!