An etruscan carnelian scarab mounted in an ancient gold ring. A lion facing backward.
intaglio 12 x 14 x 9 mm; diam. 21 mm; gr. 7,90
The feline advances to the left with the tail raised, but the head, with the jaws open, is facing backwards. Dotted frame around the figure. The iconographic and stylistic prototype of this subject is already present in the Etruscan goldsmith production of the 5th century BC (ring with engraved bezel, inv. No. 1925/150, Hamburg, Museum fur Kunst und Gewerbe). The refined ring-shaped hoop is formed by the interweaving of two thread-like elements of different thickness and ends near the beetle with a spiral twisted pattern. Excellent state of preservation. Attractive vivid shade of stone. For comparison: Aa.Vv., L'Oro degli Etruschi, edited by M. Cristofani and M. Martelli, p. 299 n. 185. This lot is listed in an invoice from parisian gallery Mythes et Légendes by Michel Cohen in 1986, mentionning that the piece was formerly in Arthur Sambon (1867-1947) collection.
4th century BC.