Dexamenos of Chios was a gem engraver of Ancient Greece and recognized as one of the great gem carvers of antiquity, noted for the detail and delicacy of his work. He was supremely talented in sculpture, and his works are considered among the finest in their art. He was active in his craft between 420-400 B.C. and scholars debate whether he worked in Athens or north of the Black Sea in one of the Greek colonies.
Although only four signed gems have survived to this day, other gems have been attributed to him because of his distinctive style and the astonishing mastery of detail in his work.
This heron, hand carved on Ataléia rock crystal and delicately balanced on one leg, is 'after the manner of Dexamenos'. The original, dating to the Classical Greek period (450-425 B.C.), is held by the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
Chain is available separately.
One-of-a-kind.