Graeco-Persian Agate Scaraboid with Ibexes

Culture: Eastern Greek/achemenid

Period: 5th century B.C.

Material: Agate

Dimensions: 2.1 cm long

Price: 800 Euro

Ref: 2697

Provenance: From the Austrian collection of Danho Abdul Massich, acquired in 1978 and since then in Austria.

Condition: Intact

Description: Finely crafted scaraboid made of high-quality, polished white-brown banded agate. The engraving on the underside depicts a pair of ibexes with raised heads and long, upright, backwards-curving horns. The bodies are rendered with finely schematised hatching, while the legs are articulated in detail. In front of the animals is a plant growing from two circles engraved with a rounded drill. The scaraboid is pierced lengthwise. A fine example of the synthesis of Greek and Persian artistic styles in the glyptic art of the late 5th century B.C. See for the type, see John Boardman „Greek Gems and Finger Rings“ London 1970 and 2001, p. 355, no. 942, as well as Bertolami Auction 86, London, 9 January 2021, lot 9.