An etruscan carnelian engraved scarab. Lion forepart.

Late 6th - early 5th century B.C.

Scarab 12x17x9 mm

The back with hatched pattern on the thorax and the legs, and v-shaped relief on the wings. The edge with vault frieze. The underside with engraved subject: a lion forepart turned right with an aggressive expression; the puckered muzzle, with the open mouth revealing its canines. The mane marked by incised lines. In the foreground, his right front paw. Use of globular elements for the jaw. Hatched border. Pierced lengthwise. Very nice polishing of the engraving and Wear marks on the surface of the stone. Traces of deposit. Rare. Inspired by greek coinage. Parallel: for the subject see AGDS, Munchen, n. 138 (Greek Archaic).

Provenance: UK art market.

Estimate: GBP 1500 - 3000