BYZANTINE GOLD RING WITH STONE INTAGLIO OF JONAH AND THE WHALE

Ca. AD 600
A gold finger ring distinguished by a broad, flattened hoop and hexagonal-shaped bezel cell with a flaring flange. Within this cell lies a convex stone intaglio depicting the biblical scene of Jonah and the Whale, with Jonah's midsection protruding from the mouth of the creature. This story, rooted in biblical tradition, recounts the prophet Jonah, who, after attempting to evade divine instructions, finds himself swallowed by a whale.
Size: D:17.53mm / US: 7 1/4 / UK: O; Weight: 7g
Provenance: Private London collection, UK art market before 2000. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.
Estimate: GBP 2000 - 3000