2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.

Details

A GRAECO-EGYPTIAN DARK STONE MAGICAL INTAGLIO OF AN ANGUIPEDE
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
Cut with figure of cock-headed anguipede holding a shield and whip and below the letters IAW, the reverse with a Greek inscription reading *EOY, in later ring setting, 3.1 x 2.2 cm., 2.6 cm. across inner hoop; and a lapis lazuli intaglio, with the figure of Aphrodite Anadyomene, standing nude to waist, uplifting tresses of her wet hair in both hands to dry it, wheel by her feet, the reverse with three lines of inscription APWP/I*PACI/C, probably 2nd-3rd Century A.D., 2.5 x 2 cm., 2 cm. across inner hoop, (2)

Special notice

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Lot Essay

For similar example, cf. S. Michel, Magische Gemmen, München, 2001, pp. 59-63, nos. 55-60 (item one), pp. 98-99, no. 110 (item two) where it is mentioned that the meaning of the inscrption is "Aroriphrasis", the secret name of Aphrodite. APWPI comes from the Greek and refers to fruitfulness and sexuality, and *PACI(C) is an anogram of CA*IP, meaning sapphire, which is linked with lapis lazuli.

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