Lot 064 A GRECO-ROMAN BROWN AGATE ‘SYMBOLIC BIRD’ INTAGLIO RING CIRCA 1ST CENTURY BCE – 2ND CENTURY CE

Description

A GRECO-ROMAN BROWN AGATE ‘SYMBOLIC BIRD’ INTAGLIO RING
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY BCE – 2ND CENTURY CE
古希腊-罗马时期 棕色玛瑙“灵鸟与神圣献礼”凹雕戒
MEASUREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS
• Material: Natural Banded Brown Agate
• Form: Rectangular Tabular Intaglio
• Setting: Antique Silver Mount (circa early 20th century)
• Date: Approximately 2,000 years old (Classical Antiquity)
ESTIMATE
USD 23,000 — 36,000
(HKD 180,000 — 280,000)
DESCRIPTION
This exquisite rectangular brown agate intaglio, dating back approximately 2,000 years, is a masterful specimen of Classical glyptic art. The stone features a meticulously engraved bird in the Greco-Roman tradition, depicted in a powerful stance while clutching a palm branch or a symbolic celestial gift in its talons. The avian form—characterized by its sharp silhouette and predatory grace—bears a profound stylistic lineage to the imperial eagles and heraldic motifs that would later define the iconography of European royalty.
In the Greco-Roman world, such images were frequently utilized as signet stones, serving as personal seals that invoked divine protection or signaled the wearer’s high social status. The bird, often a messenger of Zeus or Jupiter, represents a conduit of heavenly will. The object held in its grasp likely symbolizes a pact, victory, or a sacred alliance, reflecting the ancient tradition of xenia (ritualized gift-exchange) used to solidify respect between empires and tribes. Currently housed in a century-old silver setting, the stone remains a rare bridge between technical mastery and the deep spiritual symbolism of the Mediterranean antiquity.
描述
此件精美的长方形棕色玛瑙凹雕（Intaglio）距今约有2,000年历史，是古典宝石雕刻艺术的杰出范例。玛瑙表面精雕一只具有神圣气息的灵鸟，其造型挺拔，爪中抓握着一根象征胜利的棕榈枝或上天的馈赠。这种技法呈现出典型的古希腊-罗马艺术风格，其鸟类造型之威严，与后世欧洲王室纹章中的鹰隼图案有着深厚的艺术渊源。
在古希腊-罗马文化中，此类凹雕通常作为印章戒指，既是权力的象征，也寓意神灵的庇佑。这只灵鸟常被视为宙斯或朱庇特的使者，承载着天赐福祉与守护之意；而其爪中所持之物，则可能代表着盟约、和平或族群间的神圣礼仪，体现了古代通过礼尚往来巩固尊重与盟友关系的文化传统。此件作品现镶嵌于约一百年前制作的古典银质戒托之中，不仅展现了古代工匠对坚硬玛瑙的极致掌控，更是古典时代象征主义艺术流传至今的罕见实物。
EXPERT’S NOTE
The use of banded agate in the 1st century BCE to 2nd century CE was highly prized for its durability and the depth of color it provided for intaglio carving. The “palm branch” motif is particularly significant, as it was a universal symbol of victory and peace across the Roman Empire. The precision of the bird’s feathers and the sharp curve of its beak suggest it was produced in a high-tier workshop, possibly in Alexandria or Rome.
公元前1世纪至公元2世纪期间，带状玛瑙因其坚硬的质地和丰富的色层，成为雕刻印章石的首选。纹饰中的“棕榈枝”在罗马帝国全境象征着胜利与和平，具有极高的文化识别度。灵鸟羽毛的细部刻画及喙部的锐利曲线显示，此作应出自亚历山大港或罗马城的高级工坊。
PROVENANCE
• Private Collection, Montreal.
• Formerly in a European Aristocratic Collection, acquired early 20th century.
• 蒙特利尔私人珍藏；前藏于欧洲贵族收藏，于20世纪初购得。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: The agate remains in excellent ancient condition with minimal surface abrasion. The intaglio carving is crisp and well-defined. The century-old silver mount is stable with a natural aged patina.
• 状况： 玛瑙保存状况极佳，表面见极微小的时代磨损。凹雕纹饰清晰利落，线条深邃。百年历史的银质戒托结构稳固，带有自然的氧化包浆。