A ROMAN CICADA IN BANDED AGATE, 1ST CENTURY AD

Reference: ART4001903

A cicada in banded agate with a horizontal piercing through its length.

The cicada was a potent symbol of re-birth in antiquity, hence the popularity of the type especially in amulets which could be worn.

In this case the engraver has made careful use of the colour of the stone to follow the shape of the wings on one hand and to demarcate the head in darker tones.

38 mm. Banded agate or Sardonyx. Roman 1st. c. A.D.

PROVENANCE
Ex-European private collection acquired before 1970