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.