ANTIQUITIES AND ISLAMIC ART SALE
Lot 70:
Description
This exceptional ancient ring features a finely engraved stamp seal of translucent chalcedony, depicting a prominently carved seven-branched menorah, flanked by Hebrew-Phoenician script. The engraving is deeply intaglio-cut and served as a seal, likely for an elite or priestly figure. The iconography and epigraphy suggest a Hebrew or Phoenician origin, possibly from the Southern Levant during the late Iron Age, circa 600 B.C.
The seal is mounted in a rare ancient gold ring setting, fashioned from a solid gold hoop with twisted gold wirework securing the bezel. The construction demonstrates remarkable ancient craftsmanship, both durable and elegant—possibly intended as a personal or ceremonial signet ring.
The menorah, a symbol of divine light and ritual purity, reinforces the religious significance of the object. Such imagery is extremely rare for the period, especially on personal adornments, making this piece not only an artifact of personal identity but also of spiritual and cultural symbolism.
Stamp: L 1.5cm
Ring: O UK, 7 US
Weight: 8g
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