Egyptian Blue Glass Inlay Collection

Slender mummiform type standing on an integral plinth, wearing a lappet wig with crossed arms holding agricultural tools; plain, broad dorsal pillar; with an old collector's note: 'Ancient Egyptian Exceedingly fine statuette in beautiful blue glaze B.C. 700 A very choice & desirable specimen from Lord Grenfell's collection. Excavated at Thebes'; mounted on a custom-made stand with label on the underside: 'Egyptian B.C. 700 Lord Grenfell's Collection. Excavated at Thebes'. 28 grams, 10.8 cm (38 grams total, 12.6 cm high including stand)



Excavated Thebes, Egypt. Ex Lord Grenfell's (1896-1926) collection, UK. From the estate of a deceased Sussex private collector since the early 20th century.

Modelled in the round on a sledge attached by ventral and pectoral fins, a forked tail, a dorsal ridge, and a tapering nose, featuring recessed circular eyes filled with enamel, a horned sun disc headdress fronted by a uraeus, and a suspension loop behind; a few hieroglyphs of a dedication remain visible on the underside of the sledge, which may be interpreted as part of a name ‘….Ta-ir-di-ankhet…’ (…tꜢ di͗ Ꜥnḫ t….). 585 grams, 17 cm



Acquired from Gallery Reiner, Paris, France, 1981. Private collection, Europe. Accompanied by a copy of French passport no.150583 dated 29 November 2013. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12375-226676.

The Medjed, a type of elephant-snout fish (Mormyrus kannume), was revered in ancient Egyptian religion, particularly in Per-Medjed, better known by its Greek name, Oxyrhynchus Polis. This version of the name, meaning "city of the sharp-nosed," reflects the fish's distinctive appearance as depicted in Egyptian art. These fish were believed to have consumed the penis of Osiris, the god who was dismembered and scattered by his brother Seth. As sacred creatures, figurines of the Medjed were often adorned with a horned sun-disc headdress worn by the goddesses Hathor and Isis, suggesting a close association with both. Some figurines, like this example, featured suspension loops, allowing them to be worn as pendant amulets.

Modelled in the round, crouching on a rectangular base, incised ankh to the underside. 0.48 grams, 11 mm



From an important UK collection, 1940s.

Frog amulets in ancient Egypt symbolised fertility, rebirth, and renewal. Associated with the goddess Heqet, linked to childbirth and life-giving forces, they were especially popular for fertility and for protection during pregnancy and labour. Their association with the annual Nile flood, which brought new life to the land, further emphasised their symbolism of revival and abundance. The ancient Egyptian ankh hieroglyph on the amulet's base, meaning "life," reinforces the creature's symbolism.