Intaglio with an Ouroboros and Three Ring Signs

Title:

Intaglio with an Ouroboros and Three Ring Signs

Date:

3rd-6th century

Description:

This oval intaglio depicts an ouroboros (a snake eating its own tail) enclosing two lines of text above and below three magical characters (in this case, ring-signs). The reverse is plain.For the latest information about this object, amulets, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: [Transcription] Parallel to long dimension on obverse: Іαω πάντων δέσποτα; [Translation] Iao lord of all; [Inscription] On bottom 7 vowels.Reign: Style:

Type:

amulets

Type (Narrower):

Amulets

Type (Broader):

Object

Subject:

Culture: Gnostic

Provenance:

Henry Walters, New York [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Sadie Jones (Mrs. Henry Walters), New York, 1931, by inheritance; Mrs. Henry Walters Sale, Joseph Brummer, New York, 1942; Walters Art Museum, 1942, by purchase.

Medium:

brown mottled carnelian

Extent:

Dimensions: H: 7/8 x W: 1 1/4 x D: 3/16 in. (2.2 x 3.1 x 0.4 cm)

Rights:

Public Domain

Identifier:

42.875

Is part of:

BYZ
Ancient Art

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