¹¹⁄₁₆ in. (1.8 cm.) long

Giorgio Sangiorgi (1886-1965), Rome, acquired and brought to Switzerland, late 1930s; thence by continuous descent to the current owner.

J. Boardman and C. Wagner, Masterpieces in Miniature: Engraved Gems from Prehistory to the Present, London, 2018, p. 4, no. 1.

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Lot Essay

The seal is engraved with a geometric pattern of lines of varying thickness with crosses and hatching, thought to resemble elaborate basketry but are also referred to as architectural. This type is typical of the Minoan Early Palace period. For similar examples see fig. 41 and pl. 64 in Boardman, Greek Gems and Finger Rings.