A rare South Arabian gold ring set with a large banded agate intaglio. Mythological scene.

3rd - 4th century A.D.

Stone 12 x 18 mm; ring size 14 x 19 mm; 11,74 gr.

South Arabian (Himyarite) ring set with an oval banded agate (brown on white) intaglio. The flat surface of the tapered gem is engraved with the figure of Pan prancing to the right holding a lagobolos(?) in his right hand and the syrinx in the left. He is shown facing a standing figure of Hermes holding a purse of money in his outstretched right hand while a caduceus in his left hand. There are two Sabean letters in the field between the two figures: (M and S'). Very good condition.

Provenance: UK private collection D.C.

Estimate: GBP 10000 - 15000