Roman Carnelian Intaglio Ring

A provincial Roman finger ring dating from the 3rd to 4th century AD and set with a carnelian intaglio depicting two fishes, or possibly a shrimp. The ring is constructed in cast silver and conforms to the Henig Type VIII classification with broad, leaf-shaped shoulders that taper down to the band, characteristic profile, and a simple bezel setting around the stone. Two fishes may represent an early symbol for Christianity in the Roman Empire, or could be a reference to Cupid and Venus escaping from the sea monster Typhon by changing into fish - the Roman interpretation of an older Greek myth that's tied to the 12th sign of the zodiac, Pisces (aka Venus et Cupido). Era: Roman, 3rd to 4th century AD Head size: 9.6mm by 12.3mm Stone: Carnelian Agate From T. N. Polloi's book, Ancient Rings, An Illustrated Collector's Guide (2018): "In addition to their decorative function, these rings could serve as personal seals, for use on correspondence or legal documents. As such, the signet was often carved with a "reversed" image or inscription, which appeared in the correct orientation when impressed upon a wax seal.