A late roman blue sapphire intaglio set in a gold ring. Peacock.

4th century A.D.

Stone diam. 8 mm; ring size diam 17 mm circa; 8 gr.

The intaglio shows a peacock in frontal view, making the wheee, his tail wide open. The ‘eye’ design on his tail is marked by globular elements. His head is surmounted by its typical crowned part. For the ancient Romans and in eastern civilizations such as the Sasanian, like the double-headed eagle, the peacock has been seen in the symbolic forms with mystical and philosophical texts. Peacock is the symbol of decorating, luxury, glory and splendor, life with love, beauty. Reproduced on metal artwork or wall decorations (see Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY, inv.32.150.20). Peacock was also the attribute-animal to the goddess Juno. Rare.

Provenance: UK private collection D.C.

Estimate: GBP 3000 - 4000