An etruscan carnelian scarab intaglio mounted on an ancient gold ring. Centaur.

4th century B.C.

intaglio : 11 x 14 x 7 mmring diam _ 17 mm circa3,73 gr.

The creature is turned on the left side, holding a spear. Cable border. Globular style. Attractive color of the stone. The mounting is a large broad hoop ending with small convex discs with the carnelian scarab; the intagio is revolving on a wire swivel, passing through the disks and twisted around the ends of the hoop. Small chip on the scarab wing case.

Parallel: Aa.Vv., L'Oro degli Etruschi, M. Cristofani and M. Martelli, n. 270 for the setting type.

Property of a gentleman, UK, London. Ex Christie's, Fine Antiquities, 6 July 1994, lot 339

Estimate: GBP 2000 - 5000