Ancient Roman Jasper Gryllus Ring
An ancient Romano-British carved jasper intaglio dating from the 2nd to 3rd century AD, set in a later gold mount dating from the late 18th century. The intaglio is intricately carved from a red jasper gemstone to depict a ‘gryllus’. The term ‘gryllus’ is often applied to intaglios with unusual combinations of human heads and animal parts. Derived from the Italic word grillo ("freak") and the Latin gryllus ("caricature"), they were popular subjects for carved gems in Roman times. While undoubtedly extremely amusing to the ancient Romans, these gems served a more serious purpose as well; they were thought to to have apotropaic or prophylactic properties. These creatures were known for their protective and guardian qualities. This one is possibly a fragment from a larger carving and features two heads at right angles to each other, one of them depicts Silenus with the ears of a dog or pig.
Glyptics or gem carvings have been admired since the start of the Roman Empire. This fascination has been revived throughout history, notably in the Renaissance period, and again during the Georgian and Victorian eras where many ancient cameos and intaglios were collected by young, aristocratic gentlemen during their ‘Grand Tour’ which led to the formation of significant collections. Like our example, many of these intaglios were set into jewellery, particularly in the late 18th and early 19th century; see the final image for other similar examples in the British Museum (museum no. : 1799,0521.30, 1814,0704.1457, 1814,0704.1360).
The carved stone is set in a classic rubover setting with a grooved bezel, flared shoulders and plain tapering band, typical of the period. The ring is unmarked but tests as crafted in 21K gold and has a fantastic smooth silk-like texture commensurate with its impressive age.
UK size J, US size 4.75, intaglio measures 8mm x 7mm
Silenus was a companion to the wine god Dionysus, and suitably he was a notorious consumer of wine, usually drunk and supported by satyrs or carried by a donkey. Silenus was described as the oldest, wisest and most drunken of the followers of Dionysus, and was said to possess special knowledge and the power of prophecy when intoxicated. He presides over the other satyrs and is related to musical creativity, prophetic ecstasy, drunken joy and drunken dances.
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Description
An ancient Romano-British carved jasper intaglio dating from the 2nd to 3rd century AD, set in a later gold mount dating from the late 18th century. The intaglio is intricately carved from a red jasper gemstone to depict a ‘gryllus’. The term ‘gryllus’ is often applied to intaglios with unusual combinations of human heads and animal parts. Derived from the Italic word grillo ("freak") and the Latin gryllus ("caricature"), they were popular subjects for carved gems in Roman times. While undoubtedly extremely amusing to the ancient Romans, these gems served a more serious purpose as well; they were thought to to have apotropaic or prophylactic properties. These creatures were known for their protective and guardian qualities. This one is possibly a fragment from a larger carving and features two heads at right angles to each other, one of them depicts Silenus with the ears of a dog or pig.
Glyptics or gem carvings have been admired since the start of the Roman Empire. This fascination has been revived throughout history, notably in the Renaissance period, and again during the Georgian and Victorian eras where many ancient cameos and intaglios were collected by young, aristocratic gentlemen during their ‘Grand Tour’ which led to the formation of significant collections. Like our example, many of these intaglios were set into jewellery, particularly in the late 18th and early 19th century; see the final image for other similar examples in the British Museum (museum no. : 1799,0521.30, 1814,0704.1457, 1814,0704.1360).
The carved stone is set in a classic rubover setting with a grooved bezel, flared shoulders and plain tapering band, typical of the period. The ring is unmarked but tests as crafted in 21K gold and has a fantastic smooth silk-like texture commensurate with its impressive age.
UK size J, US size 4.75, intaglio measures 8mm x 7mm
Silenus was a companion to the wine god Dionysus, and suitably he was a notorious consumer of wine, usually drunk and supported by satyrs or carried by a donkey. Silenus was described as the oldest, wisest and most drunken of the followers of Dionysus, and was said to possess special knowledge and the power of prophecy when intoxicated. He presides over the other satyrs and is related to musical creativity, prophetic ecstasy, drunken joy and drunken dances.
