Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

A Medieval seal intaglio within silver bezel, 12th-13th century, the oval green jasper intaglio carved with a griffin (winged lion) passant, collet set within a surround bearing the inscription ‘+ FRANGE LEGE TEGE’ - ‘break, read, conceal’, in Lombardic capitals, the reverse with chamfered edge and the remains of two shoulders, ring shank now lacking, dimensions 22 x 21mm. £2,000-£2,400

This seal ring was found by a detectorist in Horsham St. Faith, Norfolk.

St Faith is the site of a medieval priory, founded around 1105 in Horsford, but moved to Horsham soon after. Its buildings included a church, a refectory and cloisters. It was dissolved in 1536 and all buildings except the refectory were demolished. The refectory was converted into a house which survives and contains nationally important Medieval wall paintings.

The ring is recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database, Ref: NMS-C7921B, and has subsequently been disclaimed as Treasure.

Steve Ashley notes on the PAS report: “The stone is cut in imitation of an ancient intaglio, in green jasper which was especially favoured in the Middle Ages”.

Martin Henig notes: “In the High Middle Ages, between the 12th and 14th centuries, ancient gems were frequently re-set for use in personal seal-matrices (secreta) in order to serve as signets. The fashion, for [...] ancient gems, was continuous throughout the Middle Ages, but gem-seal usage reached its height of popularity during the second half of the 12th century. Consequently, it may be seen as one small aspect of what it is still convenient to call the ‘12th-century Renaissance’, with its intellectual ferment and enhanced interest in the literature and art of Rome and the Classical world.”

Literature:
Adams, N., et al., Good Impressions: Image and Authority in Medieval Seals, (British Museum Press, 2008) - Chapter: In The Re-use and Copying of Ancient Intaglios set in Medieval Personal Seals, mainly found in England, by Martin Henig.