A finely carved carnelian scarab (Scarabaeus sacer) modelled naturalistically in the round with anatomical detailing to the carapace, head, legs and underside of the body; slightly domed profile; drilled laterally to the underside of the body for suspension. 3.07 grams, 19 mmFine condition.

From an early 20th century Home Counties collection.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.114474-196152.

Cf. The Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum, accession number 3791, for a similar scarab dated to the Late Period.

The Egyptians saw the scarab as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. The beetle was associated with the sun god because scarabs roll large balls of dung in which to lay their eggs, a behavior that the Egyptians thought resembled the progression of the sun through the sky from east to west. Scarab amulets were used for their magical rejuvenating properties by both the living and the dead. The regenerative powers of scarabs such as the one offered here could be used by either the living or the dead for healing and protection. The striking red/orange colour of the carnelian stone used to produce this amulet strengthens its solar associations.

A restrung panel of small glazed composition beads in various colours representing a mummy face mask with false beard. 44 grams, 13 cm wide

Acquired 1990s.
Ex Mariaud des Serres, Paris, France.

The practice of providing a bead mask as additional protection for the face of the mummy developed in the Late Period. The green beads used as the principal colour in the creation of the stylised face symbolise regeneration and re-birth. An example discovered at Esna in Upper Egypt and still attached to the face of a mummy is on display in the World Museum Liverpool (accession number 7.6.20.60).

A mixed group of mainly faience, glass, shell and stone polychrome beads of various types and dates. 120 grams total, 2-23 mm

Acquired in the 1970s.
Important European collection.

A group of fragments of blue and white glass offering cups; one with a partial cartouche of Amenhotep III. 14 grams total, 30-34 mm

From a UK private collection, 1975-1978.

A green glazed composition figure of Bes standing on a base; plumed headdress and loop absent. 4.79 grams, 34 mm

Acquired early 1990s.
Ex private American collection; thence by descent.
Private Swiss collection since 1998.

A mixed group of mainly composition and glass amulets, most with piercings or loops for suspension; including glazed fruit, figures, amulets with geometric motifs and others. 8.9 grams total, 11-23 mm

From an early 20th century UK collection.

A piriform veined alabaster vessel with everted neck and broad rim. 342 grams, 78 mm high

French collection, 1960s-early 2000s.
From an important Paris gallery, France.

A restrung faience mummy bead necklace comprising multiple strands of polychrome beads including annular and tubular types. 26 grams, 74 cm long

Acquired before 1979.
From the private collection of Mr F. A., South Kensington, London, UK; thence by descent 2014.

A carnelian fly amulet with simple head and body detailing, the eyes doubling as the suspension loop. 0.43 grams, 12 mm

From an early 20th century UK collection.

A gilt stucco sphinx from a funerary catafalque, lying couchant on a sub-rectangular base with stylised anatomical and facial detailing; accompanied by a custom-made wooden display base. 36 grams, 75 mm long (155 grams total, 10.8 cm including base)Fine condition.

From a mid 20th century collection (based on the stand).
With Richard Gill, Eternal Egypt, London SW19, 1990s.
Acquired 31 August 1993.
Property of a South Oxfordshire private collector.

Accompanied by original invoice no.10575, dated 31 August 1993, and associated correspondence.

A carved carnelian amuletic pendant of the cat goddess Bastet, sitting on a rectangular base, suspension loop behind the shoulders. 1.82 grams, 16 mm

Acquired 1980s.
Private collection of L.H., Staffordshire, UK.
Property of a Sussex, UK, teacher.

A sheet-gold fly amulet with heart-shaped wings, head formed as suspension loop. 0.72 grams, 18 mm

Acquired 1970-2010.
Collection of a late Japanese gentleman.

Cf. Andrews, C., Ancient Egyptian Jewellery, London, 1990, p.174, fig.160a, for a bead string interspersed with many gold fly amulets.