A roman red jasper intaglio. Hephaestus.

1st - 2nd century A.D.

Intaglio : 9 x 11 mm Mounting : 12 x 18 mm

The character holds the tongs with his right hand, the hammer with his left. At his feet, a basket containing metal planchet-flan for minting coins (?). The figure wears a tunic and is characterized by the aspect of Hephaestus, with a thick beard and pileus headdres (a coin coiner?). Groundline. A black grain runs through the stone. Attractive vivid color of jasper. Fragmentary iron ring mounting. Rare iconography.

European private collection.

Estimate: GBP 250 - 500