A rare greek hellenistic garnet cabochon intaglio. Pomegrenate.

4th - 3rd century B.C.

15x17x9 mm

A slightly open pomegranate with a natural central “laceration”, with its internal seeds visible. Rare and unusual representation of a fruit breaking and opening. The subject, present in the Greek coinage but whole without openings with visible seeds, is engraved in a beautiful high convex cabochon garnet, with a concave back. The combination of the subject with the material was masterfully chosen to allude its natural color. Mirror polishing. Extremely detailed and deeply carved intaglio. Slight internal crack (non-passing and not dangerous; the gem is solid). Wear marks. Parallel: See greek coinage: for the subject of the pomegrenate cfr. Side. Circa 430-400 BC. Stater, Pomegranate with its stem above and flower below.  SNG France 627. SNG von Aulock 4765; Pamphylia, Side AR Stater. Circa 490-450 BC. Pomegranate, ΣIΔH (retrograde) to left; all within beaded circular border; Melos - ΜΑΛΟΣ - date: ca. 450-440 BC -  silver stater  - description obverse: pomegranate.

Provenance: UK private collection, acquired in the London art market 1980s.