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LOT 0439
Egyptian Alabaster Miniature 'Torpedo' Flask
MIDDLE KINGDOM, 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 1/4 in. (62.6 grams, 57 mm).
Ovoid in profile with a pointed base, narrow opening, and hollowed interior. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a UK private collection since at least 1946.
Property of a West London, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Vandier d’Abbadie, J., Les objets de toilette égyptiens au Musée du Louvre, Paris, 1972, pp. 120-121, no. 508, for a similar vessel.
FootnotesAncient Egyptian cosmetics included volatile essential oils, animal fats, or scented plant resins. The ‘torpedo’ shape of the vessel required it to be positioned horizontally, ensuring the fluid remained in contact with the stopper or seal to prevent it from drying out or leaking.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0439
Egyptian Alabaster Miniature 'Torpedo' Flask
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Egyptian Black Stone Scarab
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £60 - 80 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
With linear detailing to the carapace, the underside with a drilled image of two figures holding hands on a baseline; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 2 grams, 13 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
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Very Large Egyptian Expedition Lithograph of Elephantine Island
Early 19th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £40
Proof etching on laid paper of plate 31 from Vol.I of Description de l'Égypte : ou, Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l'expédition de l'armée française. entitled Ile d'Eléphantine et Syène. Plan général de l'Île d'Eléphantine, de Syène, et des carrières de granit exploitées par les Anciens Egyptiens. 223 grams, 105.5 x 69 cm
From the collection of a North American priest. Acquired between 1981-1996. Property of a North American collector.
Produced between February 1802 and 1830 on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte; published between 1809 and 1828. Just 1,000 copies were distributed to various institutions, printed on laid paper with an 'Égypte ancienne et moderne' watermark. The book is subtitled Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l’expédition de l’Armée française, publié par les ordres de Sa Majesté l’Empereur Napoléon le Grand (Gathering of observations and discoveries which were made in Egypt during the expedition of the French army, published on the orders of His Majesty the Emperor Napoleon the Great). It was the world's first encyclopedia devoted exclusively to the remains of ancient Egypt. The plates of this book are the first to present the archaeological sites of Thebes (Luxor). Elephantine Island holds archaeological remains that span the entire history of ancient Egypt. Syene is the Greek name for the ancient Egyptian city of Swennet, now known as Aswan. -
Very Large Egyptian Expedition Lithograph of the Hypogees Papyrus Manuscript from Thebes
Early 19th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £40
Proof etching on laid paper of plate 62 from Vol.II of Description de l'Égypte : ou, Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l'expédition de l'armée française. entitled Thèbes. Hypogées. Manuscrit sur papyrus. 2eme partie. 231 grams, 103 x 69.5 cm
From the collection of a North American priest. Acquired between 1981-1996. Property of a North American collector.
Produced between February 1802 and 1830 on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte; published between 1809 and 1828. Just 1,000 copies were distributed to various institutions, printed on laid paper with an 'Égypte ancienne et moderne' watermark. The book is subtitled Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l’expédition de l’Armée française, publié par les ordres de Sa Majesté l’Empereur Napoléon le Grand (Gathering of observations and discoveries which were made in Egypt during the expedition of the French army, published on the orders of His Majesty the Emperor Napoleon the Great). It was the world's first encyclopedia devoted exclusively to the remains of ancient Egypt. The plates of this book are the first to present the archaeological sites of Thebes (Luxor). The papyrus manuscript was recovered from an underground tomb chamber (hypogeum). The text is written in hieratic, a cursive form of hieroglyphic writing often used for religious papyrus documents.
