ASCLEPIUS, classical god of Healing and Medicine, Reverse Intaglio Tassie Ring

HEAD OF ASCLEPIUS
(god of medicine and physicians) classical "tassie"
cast-glass reverse intaglio ring;

the bearded Zeus-like head and serpent-twined rod are based on the Greek statues at Aesclepius' birthplace and temple at Epidaurus and his temple at Kos

cast in remarkable detail and in fine condition, the image includes a Greek inscription in cartouche, and artist's signature "APF" (?) both so far unidentified.

The entire image with inscriptions is in the scooped underside of the gem, facing the wearer's hand

Gem : finely cast translucent pale greenish-grey glass resembling agate,

size of gem : 1" x 1/2"

Mounting : collet-set in silver on split-shoulders ring

Circa : uncertain, probably 1800's

Finger size : 4-1/2
Gross weight : .236 troy ounce

Provenance : collected in Greece

# wlz 18007 ...................................................................................................SOLD