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Oval gem with mouse
Roman
Early Roman Imperial
1st century A.D.
Medium/Technique
Jasper
Dimensions
Length: 12 mm (1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Burton Y. Berry in memory of Michel Chiha of Beirut
Accession Number69.1212
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Gems
DescriptionMouse leaping to left over partial groundline. Mice are popular themes on Roman gems. Ancient authors wrote about mice as animals that were tremendously fertile, resourceful, and potentially harmful to human endeavors.
Red jasper. Oval intaglio with slightly convex front and beveled edge. Scratched surface.
Red jasper. Oval intaglio with slightly convex front and beveled edge. Scratched surface.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: Burton Y. Berry Collection; gift to MFA from Burton Y. Berry in Memory of Michel Chiha of Beirut, October 15, 1969