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Northern Europe, Neoclassical Period, ca. 18th century CE. A lovely and large intaglio carved from semi-translucent chalcedony, surrounded by a golden border and wrapped with a black leather band. Depicted on the front face are a pair of hoplites engaged in combat, armed with long spears and shields known as hoplons. Both hoplites don Corinthian helmets and assume dramatic, action-packed poses. In addition, the artist, who was well versed in the art of intaglios and subjects from antiquity, created a groundline to represent the terrain. In addition to the marvelous carving, the chalcedony stone is inherently beautiful. Stemming from the Latin term chalcedonius (chalchedonius), the name chalcedony is mentioned in Pliny the Elder's "Naturalis Historia" as a term for a translucent type of Jaspis, and its name most likely derives from the town of Chalcedon in Asia Minor. Size: 1.75" W x 1.5" H (4.4 cm x 3.8 cm)The hoplites were heavily armed foot soldiers of ancient Greece. Athens mandated that all 18 to 20 year olds participate in military service; however, during times of war, all male citizens through the age of 60 could be asked to serve. Hoplites carried a large, round, bronze-faced shield known as a hoplon in one hand and, in the other, an eight-foot-long wooden spear with a leaf-shaped iron head and a bronze butt spike. The butt spike was known as a sauroter, a "lizard killer", and, if the spear was broken, could be used as a weapon on the remaining end. It could also be used to stand the spear in soft ground or as a digging tool. Provenance: ex-private Hartley Brown collection, New York, USA, acquired in 2000's All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #134770