A fine late classical greek blue chalcedony scaraboid seal. Two molossian dogs.

5th century B.C.

22 x 29 x 12 mm.

Two dogs, presented symmetrically on the right and left of the scene. Looking at each other, with their faces in profile, but their bodies are turned away, towards the outside of the edge. The bodies are represented of three-quarters seen from the back, with great technical and artistic virtuosity. Use of globular elements and very fine engraved features, typical of the best greek production of this period. These dogs, with an almost leonine body, are to be identified with the famous Molossi dogs (also known as the Molossian hound, Epirus mastiff. The Molossus were famous throughout the ancient world for their size and ferocity and were frequently mentioned in ancient literature). The back of the stone is convex. Pierced through hole. Second half of the 5th century B.C. circa. Beautiful color of the stone and large size. Very fine condition. Intact. Slight wear marks. Rare. Parallels: J. Boardman, Greek Gems and Finger Rings, p. 292 n. 576 (Blue chalcedony scaraboid from Cyprus, a lioness; J. Boardman, Intaglios and Rings, Greek Etruscan and Eastern from a private collection, p. 98 n. 92 Blue chalcedony seal, scaraboid, a seated hyena, striped, greek style of Graeco-persian gems).

Provenance: the seal is described in a letter dated 1971 to B. & G. H., London.