A GNOSTIC INTAGLIO IN HAEMATITE, 2ND-3RD CENTURY AD A GNOSTIC INTAGLIO IN HAEMATITE, 2ND-3RD CENTURY AD

A GNOSTIC INTAGLIO IN HAEMATITE, 2ND-3RD CENTURY AD

Reference: ART600614

A gnostic in haematite intaglio showing a donkey mounting a female surrounded by a garbled or formulaic inscription. On the reverse is an inscription in three lines:
'OPTHOY
KONTOY
TOYPOUY'
Haematite, Roman. This intaglio shows a highly unusual subject which probably refers to help for the wearer or carrier for virility or fertility. A very rare subject vigorously rendered.
16 by 13 mm.

PROVENANCE
From a European collection formed in the 1980's.