Bidspirit auction | A ROMAN GNOSTIC PENDANT IN

A ROMAN GNOSTIC PENDANT IN GOLD WITH A RED JASPER INTAGLIO, 2ND/3RD CENTURY AD - A gnostic red jasper intaglio showing a Phoenix standing on a globe which in turn is placed on a pedestal. Flanking the central type are twelve animals, possibly sheep. The type might be construed as a representation of Christ and the twelve apostles as Christianity was often represented through gnosticism. The intaglio is mounted in a simple gold band with a suspension loop and gold pellet soldered onto the bottom of the mount. 28 by 18 mm. Weight: 3.6 gr.