Egyptian Amethyst Horus Amulet

With a tall, flaring cup rounded at the base, attached to a short stem supported on a flared foot; the outside of the cup decorated with petals modelled in relief and a ribbed rim; the stem and foot plain; some restoration. 126 grams, 16 cm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12099-214088.

Faience chalices shaped like the flowers of the blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) first appeared in the 18th Dynasty. The blue lotus chalices were believed to have been used for cultic or votive purposes in temples or in rituals offered to the dead. Known as 'Seshen' by the ancient Egyptians, the blue lotus was a symbol of solar concepts associated with rebirth, probably because its flowers opened in the morning and closed at night. Hence, it is not surprising to find that the lotus was prominently featured in ancient Egyptian funerary art, particularly in banqueting scenes honouring the deceased, and in bouquets that adorned the coffin and bier of the deceased. It is also believed that the flower petals were used to make perfume, and that the ancient Egyptians took advantage of the lotus's narcotic properties. The extracted essence was added to wine to enhance its pleasurable effects, as depicted in banqueting scenes with intoxicated guests.

The piriform vessel with rounded base, two integral lug handles to the neck; fractured above the neck. 139 grams, 97 mm high



Acquired in Europe before 1992.

Displaying semi-naturalistic detailing in relief, beneath a band of headdress ornament composed of rows of architectural dot-and-dash and zig-zag patterns over a segmental panel, possible hieroglyphs to the top tier; attachment pegs to the sides of the face and through the head; extensive remains of painted black pigmentation and composition fill to the eyes. 677 grams, 36 cm



From a French estate, acquired between 1960 and 1980. with SAS Cornette de Saint Cyr Auction, Paris, Vente 882, Mobilier et Objets d'art, 2 December 2014, lot 69. Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport no.167062. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Alberto Maria Pollastrini. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11807-206837.