Lot 137
137
A GRAECO-EGYPTIAN CHALCEDONY MAGICAL INTAGLIO WITH CHNOUBIS
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more MAGICAL GEMS Magical or Gnostic Gems were used mainly in Hellenized Egyptian Alexandria combining Egyptian, Classical, Jewish and Christian symbols concerned with the protection of the owner and the elevation of his soul from the physical to the spiritual. The most common names invoked are Iaô, Sabaoth and the cock-headed anguipede Abrasax.
A GRAECO-EGYPTIAN CHALCEDONY MAGICAL INTAGLIO WITH CHNOUBIS

2ND CENTURY A.D.

Details
A GRAECO-EGYPTIAN CHALCEDONY MAGICAL INTAGLIO WITH CHNOUBIS
2ND CENTURY A.D.
Obv. the serpentine figure of Chnoubis with profile radiate lion head and tail in double coil, perched on a cista, inscribed on either side, ANOX/XNOVBIC, (I am/Chnoubis), and around the exterior a further Greek inscription reading CEMEC/(E)I*AM and *I*ANTOPHKTA/BAPW*ICTA, rev. the device for Chnoubis in two forms in triplicate comprising the triple S and barred Z, with three double crosses above, in later swivel ring setting
1.7 x 1.3 cm.; 1.8 cm. across inner hoop
Provenance
Rollin and Feuardent collection, Paris.
Collection of James Carnegie, Earl of Southesk (1827-1905); acquired F. Whelan, London agent for Rollin and Feuardent, 1878.
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

Lot Essay

PUBLISHED:
Lady Helena Carnegie (ed.), Catalogue of the collection of antique gems formed by James, Ninth Earl of Southesk, K.T., London, 1908, vol. I, p. 147, no. N13.

The bar crossed with three S-shaped serpents is the astronomical sign for the first of the thirty-six decans, which coincided with the time of the Inundation. The popularity of Chnoubis was in his role of assisting the owner in his hazardous journey from death to resurrection in the heavens.

For a similar example, cf. Michel, Magische Gemmen, pp. 68-71 and 107-108, nos. 66-71 and 120; also Henig et al., Classical Gems, pp. 226-228, nos. 499-502.

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