Antique Hardstone Intaglio Signet Ring

A very unusual antique gold ring set with a carved brown and white hardstone cameo depicting the theatrical comic mask of Silenus, the Greek mythological old rustic god of wine-making and drunkenness. The ring was made in the late 19th century and carries French control marks for 18K gold, whilst the cameo is probably Italian and made slightly earlier, circa 1800. Silenus was a companion to the wine god Dionysus, and suitably he was a notorious consumer of wine, usually drunk and supported by satyrs or carried by a donkey. Silenus was described as the oldest, wisest and most drunken of the followers of Dionysus, and was said to possess special knowledge and the power of prophecy when intoxicated. He presides over the other satyrs and is related to musical creativity, prophetic ecstasy, drunken joy and drunken dances. Silenus was usually depicted as a jovial old man, bald yet bearded, with a pot-belly, thick lips and snub-nose. The masks worn to play him in theatre really emphasised these features, as you can see with this cameo carving Theatre was a key part of ancient Greek culture. The theatrical masks worn by the actors, known as ‘prosopon’, served various purposes. They enabled individual actors to play multiple roles (or genders) in the same performance; the exaggerated expressions helped define the character being portrayed; they helped spectators in the back rows to tell the characters apart. This particular masked as mentioned before is a comedic Silenus, please see final photo for other examples of Silenus masks in museum collections. UK size N 1/2, US size 7 4.84g 18K gold French ‘tête...

Here we have a bold signet ring crafted from a rich 14ct yellow gold with slight rosey undertone. At the head of the face with find a single bright white round brilliant-cut diamond,...

An antique carnelian intaglio signet ring made in 9k yellow gold. A true piece of history, this exquisite ring features a beautifully carved carnelian intaglio stone set in a classi...

Exuding timeless elegance, this striking ring features a rectangular Carnelian intricately carved with a rare double head. The stone is set in a warm, gold-toned band adorned with de...

Here we have an outstanding signet ring from the world renowned French jewellery designer, Boucheron. This vintage piece has been crafted from platinum and features an oval faceted s...

Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold with a Citrine intaglio featuring the phrase " Virtue et Opera" and a lion. Circa 1970s Size 10, resizable

ANTIQUE ROMAN CARNELIAN INTAGLIO SIGNET RING OF A ROMAN WARRIOR An antique carved carnelian intaglio depicting a Roman warrior in profile, finely detailed with helmet and armour. Th...

A Georgian carnelian intaglio ring, the oval cornelian measuring 21 x 18mm, seal-engraved with a classic male head, bearded and in profile, in a yel...

This 14k gold Edwardian intaglio signet ring contains an esoteric image—a unique family crest with mysterious imagery. Carved into bloodstone, a striped shield sits on a diagonal, with a scroll looming above it. It is topped with a crown, a pine tree, and a tiny animal...

–Stone(s): – (1) Natural Genuine Hardstone- Round Cut - Set - Layered Black White Color - 20.3mm (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 18.39 Grams Overall W...