Loading, please wait...
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:
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.
-
Egyptian Faience Frog Scaraboid
Ptolemaic Period, circa 300 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Discoid base with crouching frog pierced longitudinally for threading; underside with a solar disc and unidentified symbol. 0.56 grams, 13 mm
Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, formed between 1950-1990s. Accompanied by a copy of an old collection inventory note. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Phoenicio-Egyptian Dark Green Stone Scarab
Circa 9th-8th century B.C.Estimate: £200 - 280 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £111
With textured carapace, bull-horned column to the reverse, possibly a symbol of Tanit. 3.94 grams, 15 mm
From the property of the late Mr SM, London, UK, 1969-1999. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The widespread adoption of the scarab, both as a symbol linked to the concept of rebirth, and in its function as a seal, exemplifies the extent of Egyptian influence on Phoenician culture, from its origins in the Levant to its spread across the Mediterranean. -
Egyptian Jasper Fly Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Carved in the round resting on an oval base, striated body; pierced longitudinally. 0.88 grams, 14 mm
Ex London and Home Counties collection, UK, 1920-1940. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Egyptian artists often depicted fly whisks with pharaohs and officials, suggesting flies were just nuisances. In reality, Egyptians valued flies for their speed and persistence. Small fly amulets appeared around 3200 B.C. in Naqada II burials, gaining popularity and varying materials during the New Kingdom, including gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and gemstones. These amulets were thought to protect against insect bites and troublesome creatures via apotropaic magic and possibly symbolised fecundity. Pharaohs awarded gold fly-shaped pendants to honour soldiers' bravery in battle.
