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Scaraboid gem with griffin
Greek, East Greek
Classical Period
475–400 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Chalcedony
Dimensions
Length x width: 40 x 22 mm (1 9/16 x 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Theodora Wilbour Fund in memory of Zoë Wilbour
Accession Number62.1153
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Scarabs and scaraboids
DescriptionPale blue chalcedony. Scaraboid with high dome and intaglio on flat face. A griffin crouches facing right, its forelegs extended. Its sharp beak is open and its ears are pointy. Its knee joints and paws are rendered as small knobs. Three vertical lines indicate ribs. The wing is covered with a series of horizontal lines indicating feathers, and the wing's tip curls inwards. A short ridge of feathers stands on the back of the griffin's neck. Its skinny tail is arched. The gem is pierced horizontally for mounting or suspension. There is a very small triangular chip on the bottom edge.
ProvenanceBy 1961: Dr. L. Lahut Uzman Collection (according to his records: Bought from Bob Hecht Oct. 1961.); 1962: inherited by Mrs. L. Lahut Uzman; December 12, 1962: one of the group of 20 gems (62.1145–62.1164) purchased by MFA from Mrs. L. Lahut Uzman for a total price of $ 2,200-