Bidspirit auction | A rare eastern roman onyx

A rare eastern roman onyx intaglio. Allegorical emblema. 1st - 3rd century A.D. 12 x 17 x 3 mm The representation is characterized by a stylized and symmetrical emblem structure, depicting racemes of grapes with bunches; in the center, probably a thyrsus or a scepter referable to the Dionysiac sphere. The unusual composition is known from some rare specimens, probably referable to eastern regions. Attractive variety of stone, finely engraved. The back has a chipped surface. Parallels: Antiken Gemmen in deutschen sammlungen, band I, Staatliche Munzsammlung Munchen, teil 3, p. 116 n. 2879. European private collection.