A fine greek late minoan mottled jasper seal intaglio. Sea creatures.

Late 2nd millenium B.C.

26 x 27 mm x 8,5 mm.

In the center, a hippocampus; on the sides, crustaceans, molluscs and fish, among which it is possible to distinguish a small octopus, a squid, a cuttlefish, a small crab, a shrimp, a shell and two rock fishes. This scene, composed by nine different marine creatures, is of extraordinary rarity, probably a unicum. The composition is well balanced. The engraving style of each animal is referable to the greek Minoan-Mycenaean productions, with the use of the typical circles and globules, and very fine engraved strokes. The animals are depicted with great realism very close to the natural model. The gem seems to enclose the whole living and prosperous marine world, very dear to the Greeks, in a portable seal. This exceptional stone is round in shape with a central hole. The jasper is red with orange and ocher tones, veined with white and transparent; a very rare and beautiful variety. Small chip on the edge. Wear marks. Parallels: for the style and typology of some animals, see J. Boardman, Greek Gems and Finger Rings, n. 75-81; AGDS, Staatliche Museen, Berlin, n. 17; AGDS, Munchen, n. 30-34, 73, 80; AGDS, Hamburg, n. 1-6.

Provenance: english private collection S.B., London, acquired on the London art market in 1969.