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LOT 0014
Egyptian Blue Glass Bird Inlay
PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, CIRCA 332-30 B.C.
2 1/8 in. (18 grams total, 55 mm including stand).
Modelled in the half-round with low-relief hatched detailing; perching on a D-section base; mounted on a silver support and a wooden display stand.
Provenancewith Jean-Phillipe Mariaud de Serres, Paris, France.
Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above in 1992.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The falcon inlay possibly symbolises Horus, the god of the sky, war, and protection. Horus was one of the most significant and widely worshipped gods in ancient Egyptian mythology. His importance spans multiple facets of Egyptian religion, including kingship, protection, the sky, and the sun. Depicted in various human and animal forms, Horus played a vital role in Egyptian cosmology, especially as the protector of the Pharaoh and as a representation of divine authority.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Phoenician Bone Sphinx
5th century B.C.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
Seated with curving wings flanking the body and stocky body resting on over-sized lion-paws, small female head with rounded facial features and curly hair; hollow inside. 21.2 grams, 35 mm
Ex Dr Leo Mildenberg, Zurich, 1990s. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Leo Mildenberg (1913–2001) was a distinguished numismatist and antiquities collector, widely recognised for his deep passion for ancient art, especially animal figures. Born in Germany and later based in Switzerland, Mildenberg built a renowned private collection that reflected his keen eye for craftsmanship and historical significance. His collection spanned cultures and periods, including Egyptian, Near Eastern, Greek, and Roman artefacts, with a particular emphasis on zoomorphic sculptures and votive figures. Portions of Mildenberg’s collection have been exhibited in major museums and featured in auction catalogues that remain important reference sources for scholars and collectors alike. -
Phoenician Scarab Seal for Belonging to H-N-N (The Merciful)
Circa 800-400 B.C.Estimate: £3,500 - 4,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,750
Accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Chalcedony/Carnelian 14.5 x 20 x 10 mm. This s a scarab on a flat base, the insect nicely modelled, and the seal design on the flat base is contained within a linear border. It shows a prancing lion above a fallen bull and there is an inscription in the West Semitic alphabet [three characters] l-h-n-n Property of H-n-n. This is a Phoenician seal, exact date not easy to fix but c.800-400 B.C. is the likely range. The seal, which is not pierced, is chipped around the edges but otherwise in very good condition.' 4.76 grams, 20 mm
Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995. with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1, UK, 1998-2003. Property of a London based academic, 2003 to present. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12634-233894. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Egyptian Blue Amulet of Amun
Late Period, 26th Dynasty, circa 664-525 B.C.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
The god modelled seated on a throne with a dorsal pillar, hands resting on his knees, wearing a short kilt and a two-plume feather crown; mounted on a wooden stand. 15.75 grams total, 71 mm including stand
with Charles Ede Ltd, London, UK. Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above on 12 July 1994. Accompanied by a copy of the Charles Ede invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12632-235078. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The amulet of the god Amun served both religious and protective purposes in ancient Egypt. Amun, a major deity associated with creation, kingship, and hidden power. Wearing an amulet bearing Amun’s image or name was believed to invoke his divine protection, grant strength, and confer favour or legitimacy. Such amulets were also placed among burial goods to ensure the deceased was protected and guided in the afterlife.