Roman, A Roman yellow jasper intaglio with the 'dextrarum iunctio' set in a modern gold ring, circa 1st - 2nd century AD

The oval yellow jasper gem engraved with clasped right hands in the 'dextrarum iunctio' with poppy flowers between the hands, set in a modern 18 carat gold ring

Provenance

UK private collection, T.M., acquired before 1990

Literature

The dextrarum iunctio is an image of two clasped right hands. It symbolised concordia (harmony), affinity, friendship, and loyalty (Tac. Hist. 1.54.1, 2.8.2) and was often used to signify such between married couples. For other intaglios showing the dextrarum iunctio, cf. Beazley archive gem no. 1043: J. Tassie, Ancient and Modern Engraved Gems, Cameos as well as Intaglios, 1716, 94, no. 1043, tray 17.1, 17.3.

Roman

Further images

Provenance

Literature