Roman Chalcedony Intaglio - Recumbent Lion & Bird on Pillar

拍品描述

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1–300 CE. An oval chalcedony intaglio, its warm honey-to-amber surface engraved in reverse for use as a seal. A lion lies at the center of the field with its body stretched low and its head lifted, gazing to the left. To the right, a bird perches on a slender pillar, and a leafy branch rises from the pillar to arch over the resting beast. The ground line beneath them anchors the composition. The engraver used the small field well, with the lion's rounded haunch, the bird's compact silhouette, and the branch's fine leaves cut by wheel and drill. Pressed into wax, the gem leaves a crisp relief image. Stones like this were usually set in finger rings and served both as personal adornment and as a means of sealing documents and goods. Size: 0.5" L x 0.4" W (1.3 cm L x 1.0 cm W). Engraved gems were among the most personal objects of the Roman world. A signet sealed letters, contracts, and storerooms, so its image worked as a portable signature, and owners chose their motifs with care. The lion was one of the most popular subjects, linked with strength, protection, and, in astrological thought, the sign of Leo and the sun. A bird on a column with a branch is a motif typical of the so-called sacral-idyllic repertoire, where shrines, pillars, and trees suggest a sanctuary in the countryside. Setting the resting lion inside such a scene softens the predator into a guardian of a peaceful, perhaps sacred, place, though the exact meaning intended by the original owner is unknown. SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700. PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception. Item #205528

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