Important Hexagonal Gold Ring with Gryllos Intaglio of Red Jasper

Culture: Roman

Period: 3rd century A.D.

Material: Gold, Jasper

Dimensions: 2.3 cm in diameter; 12.67 grams

Price: 22 000 Euro

Ref: 3779

Provenance: From the collection of the Belgian archaeologist Livinius de Coesemaeker, Bruges, acquired between 1880 and 1910. Inherited by Clara de Coesemaeker and later by her son Georges D’Hondt (born 1930). Donated in 1990 to his daughter Rita D’Hondt, Bruges, Belgium. Thereafter, with the antiquities dealer Wim Prové, Bruges, Belgium. There transferred to the last owner via exchange on 24 June 2025. With a certificate of provenance from the D’Hondt family and an invoice from Wim Prové.

Condition: In excellent condition.

Description: Heavy hexagonal gold ring with an openwork band and a large, slightly ovoid setting. The latter holds a particularly finely cut red jasper intaglio depicting a gryllos. In glyptic art, the Greek term “gryllos” (meaning something like “comical figure”) refers to a composite representation of intertwined figures or heads. This magnificently cut gem, when viewed horizontally, shows the head of a maenad to the left and that of an old, bearded Silenus to the right. If the gem is turned 90 degrees to the left, the profile of the god whom the two serve appears: Dionysos. The Dionysian triad stands here for pleasure, wine, and theatre, the ability to transform, which results from the optical illusion created by the gryllos, and as an apotropaion, especially through the depiction of Silenus. The quality of the gem continues in the hexagonally shaped ring band, which is openwork with leaf and shield motifs. This not only enhanced wearing comfort but also created a unique visual effect through the interplay of light and shadow, typical of the goldsmith’s art of the 3rd century A.D. Ready to wear.