A fine roman green and red jasper magical intaglio. Anguipes with inscriptions.

2nd - 3rd century A.D.

15 x 19 x 2 mm

Frontal view of a cock-headed Anguipes in armour with snakes legs, head to right. Right hand raised high, bent in elbow and holding the solar whip meanwhile the left is holding a round shield. Inside the shield, 3 inscribed lined : IAW IEHI OYω We distinguish the name of the Jewish god : Ἰάω (Iaô) Around the shield, two circular inscribed lines. On the left, IAWCABAω -> Iaô Sabaoth (Lord of Armies). Under the legs, ADωNAI -> Adonaî. On top, on the right of the cock head, a palindrome ΑΒΛΑΝΑΘΑΝΑΛΒΑ̣ -> Ablanathanalba. On the reverse, 3 inscribed lines : OYXCΠΓA CPAHΛIAHΛ --> we can reed Prasraêl or Prosoraiêl MEIXAHΛ --> Michaêl On the edge, two inscribed lines on each part. Chips and little missings on the edge. Very fine detailed execution. Rare. Attractive vivid color of the stone.

See parallels : A. Mastrocinque, Les intailles magiques du département des Monnaies, Médailles et Antiques, n° 292 Michel, 2001, pl.26, n°181 Henig, Martin, 1975, BAR Supp., pl.15, n°251 A. Mastrocinque, Sylloge Gemarum Gnosticarum, P.I pp.269-297

U.K., private collection 70's, in the same family since then.