Stunning superior coral carving of the head of a bacchante or maenad, a female follower of Bacchus. Neopolitan c.1800.
Particularly fine wreath of vine leaves and grapes worn as a diadem.
The precious corallium rubrum(Mediterranian coral formerly called gorgonia nobilis) is a bright mid salmon pink-orange colour with the characteristic surface pitting and wormholes expected with early carvings.
Gold pin to reverse. 1.5 by 1.5 inches.24 grams.
Cultist rites associated with the worship of the Greek god of wine, Dionysus (or Bacchus in Roman mythology), were characterized by maniacal dancing to the sound of loud music and crashing cymbals, in which the Bacchantes, whirled, screamed, became drunk and incited one another to greater and greater ecstasy.
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