Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0457
Egyptian Blue and Ochre Faience Shabti
LATE PERIOD, 4TH CENTURY B.C.
2 5/8 in. (12.9 grams, 67 mm).
Plano-convex in section with mould-formed facial detailing, crossed arms and agricultural tools. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Ex private collection, London, UK, 1970s-1990s.
Literature
Cf. Martin, G.T., et al, The Tomb-Chapels of Paser and Raia at Saqqâra, London, 1985, p. 26 (no. 55), pl. 31, for examples of 310 similar complete and 56 fragmentary shabtis.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Egyptian Basalt Kohl Pot
16th-11th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Carved into the shape of a poppy head with flange rim; old inked collector's number to base '1935.438'. 78 grams, 40 mm
From the estate of a deceased American, acquired between 1970-1989. with Bonhams, London, Knightsbridge, 28 October 2009, no.23 [part].
Cf. Aston, B.G., Ancient Egyptian Stone Vessels: Materials and Forms, SAGA 5, Heidelberg, 1994, pp. 87, 148 (Type 164), for similar examples. -
Egyptian Black Hardstone Scarab
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Dark green hardstone with paler speckles; with a boldly carved head, clypeus, prothorax and elytra, and legs indicated at the sides; plain underside. 17 grams, 29 mm
Ex Irene Newman, Birdham, Chichester, West Sussex, England. with Stride & Son Auctioneers, Chichester, West Sussex, England, 23 April 2015, no.1599 [Part]. Acquired by the present owner at the above sale.
The scarab, which represented the dung beetle, was the most popular amulet in ancient Egypt for approximately two thousand years until the Ptolemaic Period when it gradually fell out of favour. The popularity of scarabs extended beyond the borders of Egypt, and they were also distributed and produced in other regions, such as Phoenicia and Israel. The beetle is named khepri, derived from the verb 'to come into existence', and was considered the embodiment of the creator god Khepri, who was self-engendered. The ancient Egyptians mistakenly believed that the young beetle emerging from the dung ball was the result of an act of self-creation. -
Egyptian Heart Scarab Group
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £140 - 180 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £70
Comprising two scarabs with striated wing cases and ribbed underside. 7.5 grams total, 18-20 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
The scarab amulet was a powerful symbol of rebirth, transformation, and protection in ancient Egypt. Modelled after the beetle linked to the sun god Khepri, it represented the cycle of life and regeneration. Used from the Middle Kingdom (c. 2050 BCE) onwards, scarabs served as funerary amulets, personal charms, and seals—often inscribed with prayers or names—reflecting both spiritual beliefs and daily life.