A ROMAN AGATE INTAGLIO SHOWING A THYRSUS, 1ST CENTURY BC-AD

Reference: ART600334

A magnificent intaglio in dark brown agate of a Thyrsus, a wand or staff of giant fennel (Ferula communis) covered with ivy vines and leaves, wound with taeniae and topped with a pinecone or artichoke. The thyrsus is typically associated with the Greek god Dionysos or Bacchus. This specimen has a flat back and the engraving is on a highly convex cabouchon. This indicates either a period of the late Republic or the very early Empire.
12 by 9 mm.