TimeLine Auctions Limited
Lot 125
3rd century BC. A bronze ring with carinated hoop and conical shoulders decorated with deep volutes ending in scrolls around the bezel, set with an oval jasper intaglio gemstone bearing image of a warrior figure walking right, holding down sticks used to struck onto or beside an upturned vase. Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Bulgaria, 1991, items 210-212 and 254-256, for the type; Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, Leeds, 1994, item 46, for the typology of marching warrior; see also for discussion in Boardman, J. and Vollenweider, M.L., Catalogue of the Engraved Gems and Finger Rings I, Greek and Etruscan, Oxford, 1978. 20.74 grams, 33.86mm overall, 21.68mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12) (1 1/4"). From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; from her collection formed 1960s-1990s. This typology of late Etruscan ring bezels was especially widespread, with slight variations, in the area of Todi. Boardman and Vollenweider identified a similar (but not identical) figure in carnelian with the image of Hercules (1978, no.230 p.55"). Fine condition, cleaned. A large wearable size.
