Asta Bidspirit | A rare nicolo agate intaglio

A rare nicolo agate intaglio set in a gold ring. Allegorical scene with animals. 1st - 2nd century A.D. Stone 11 x 13 mm; ring size 15 x 18 mm; 3,07 gr. A snake emerges from a snail shell (or sea shell) and opens its mouth wide against a parrot. The bird is there in front of the shell. Behind, a branch of a tree. Rare scene. The gem is mounted in an elegant chiseled gold ring with floral and plant motifs, dating to the 19th century. Provenance: UK private collection.