Roman, Alexandria, Imperial Period, ca. 4th to 5th century CE. A remarkable inlay of rectangular form depicting a youth, skillfully hand-carved from the bone of a deer or stag. Nude save for a cloak tied around his neck, the young man steps forward as he carries an offering in both hands. His round visage presents semi-circular eyes, a bulbous nose, and thin lips, all topped by a short coiffure. His body is rendered with careful detail, displaying rolls of flesh, incised toes, and delineated genitalia. Blades of grass sprout up beneath his right foot. A pair of annular drill holes at his ankle and shoulder would have allowed for the relief to be attached to an object, such as a piece of furniture or a weapon. Size: 1.6" W x 4.4" H (4.1 cm x 11.2 cm); 4.9" H (12.4 cm) on included custom stand.
Published in "Howard Nowes Ancient Art," Vol. III, no. 2, Winter 2001, no. 68 illustrated.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection, before 2001
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#166839
Condition
Collection label on base. Repair to upper right corner with break line visible. Minor loss to hair. Expected minor abrasions and some light softening of detail. Otherwise, excellent with nice patina.