Lapis lazuli gem: Sarapis (A) Greek inscription (A-B)

PP-ID:

PP-1614

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

DE_Kassel-HKH_Ge 178

Collection:

Kassel, Antikensammlung, Hessen Kassel Heritage

Collection Inventory:

Ge 178

Reference Numbers:

Capello 1702, no. 146; Michel 2001, no. 31; Michel, DMG, no. 45.1.c_3; AGD III, no. Kassel 178

Former Collections:

Patin, Charles (Paris, 1633 – Padua, 1693); Capello, Antonio (Venice, 1652–1729); Karl, Landgraf von Hessen-Kassel (Kassel, 1654–1730)

Material:

lapis lazuli (blue)

Dimensions:

19 × 14.3 × 2.7 mm

Iconography:

Sarapis; modius; tunic; mantle; scepter, unspecified; patera; Nike; wreath; unspecified long dress; Cerberus

Upright oval lapis lazuli, polished, both faces flat, trapezoid section. (Shape 8–9). Edge slightly chipped at bottom left.

Side A: Over a baseline, enthroned Sarapis to right, clad in tunic and mantle and crowned with a modius, holding a patera in his left hand. A small Nike figure floats on his left, clad in a long tunic and mantle, and offering him a wreath. Sarapis leans on a tall sceptre held in his right hand, the three-headed Cerberus is seated on his left. Inscription around: ξυστοσεπικτητοσ → Ξύστος Ἐπίκτητος. Xystos Epiktetos: name of the owner.
Side B: ιχϲχ → letters or characteres in four lines.

Selected bibliography
• Capello 1702 >>, pl. 24, no. 146 (see Antiquitatum Thesaurus for details).
• Montfaucon 1719 >>, vol. 2,2, 362, pl. 153A (see Antiquitatum Thesaurus for details).
• Zazoff, AGD III >>, 242, no. 178.
• Veymiers 2009 >>, 318–319. V.ABC 5.
• Michel 2001 >>, 41, no. 31; click here for the full-text excerpt.