Ancient Roman intaglio of a spitz type dog,the Melitan the favourite toy breed of antiquity,a miniature lap dog with a fox-like muzzle and fluffy coat.
This dog was hugely popular over a very large part of the Roman Empire and is illustrated on amphora and grave stones.I have come across many depictions of hounds in intaglio but never the Melitan.
Cornelian intaglio,surface wear commensurate with age.
22ct Roman style setting.
Ring size 6. Intaglio 0.5 inches at the widest point.