Heliotrope gem: Solar child on lotus (A) Ἰάω, vocales (B)

PP-ID:

PP-4300

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

DE-München-Münzsammlung_2906

Collection:

München, Staatliche Münzsammlung

Collection Inventory:

2906 (A. 2355)

Reference Numbers:

Michel, DMG, no. 19.1.b_11; CBd, no. 4300

Material:

jasper, green and red

Dimensions:

13.4 × 11 × 2.4 mm

Iconography:

solar child sitting on lotus flower; solar child seated with knees drawn up; hand raised to mouth; mantle?; flail; lotus flower; lotus buds (2)

Divine Names & Voces:

Ἰάω; vocales

Provenience:

Smyrna

Green and red jasper (heliotrope); side A upright oval, side B transverse oval, both faces flat. (Shape 8–9). Chipped along the edge. From Smyrna.

Side A: The solar child seated to right, with knees drawn up, on a lotus flower with two buds. The figure holds a flail in his right hand, and raises his left hand to his mouth. Unidentifiable notch behind his back – perhaps a mantle?
Side B: Two lines of Greek inscription: ιαω|ουεη → Ἰάω, vocales.

Selected bibliography
• Brandt, AGD I >>, no. 2906.