A Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring with Carnelian Set Intaglio

Object Description

A Hellenistic Gold Finger Ring with Carnelian Set Intaglio
The finely engraved intaglio portraying the Head of ‘Socrates’
High carat gold, carnelian
Bactrian / Central Asia
1st Century BC

SIZE: 3cm long, 2cm wide, 2.5cm high – 1¼ ins long, ¾ ins wide, 1 ins high
Approx ring size: ‘O’

Object History

Private UK collection, since 1970’s
Ex Oliver Hoare Ltd.
Ex Private collection

Object Literature

Bactria was in central Asia in an area that comprises most of modern-day Afghanistan and parts of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. To the south and east, it was bordered by the Hindu Kush mountains. On its western side, the region was bordered by the Carmanian desert and to the north it was bound by the Oxus River. The land was noted for its fertility and its ability to produce most ancient Greek agricultural products, with the notable exception of olives.

Object Details