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LOT 0477
Egyptian Bronze Eye Inlay
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
2 3/8 in. (33 grams, 62 mm).
Comprising a bronze frame with a delicately modelled tear duct, inset with a white hardstone scalera and a large black glass pupil.
ProvenanceEx AB collection, 1920s-1930s.
Accompanied by an old collection ticket.
Cf. Lacovara, P., Teasley Trope, B., and D’Auria, S.H., The Collector’s Eye: Masterpieces of Egyptian Art from The Thalassic Collection, Ltd., Atlanta, 2001, p.120, no.70, for similar inlaid eyes with faience frames.
FootnotesMummy masks were used as a protection over the deceased and were first introduced during the First Intermediate Period. The eyes were thought to fend off evil by reflecting it back to the one bestowing it.
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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Egyptian Faience Block Bead with Bes and Amun
New Kingdom, 19th-20th Dynasty, 1279-1081 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Rectangular bead with reserved image of Bes to one face, hieroglyphs to the reverse giving the legend 'beautiful praise (of) Amun'. 1.31 grams, 13 mm
Ex Emile Bouillon Bey, c. 1880. From the Gaston Maspero Archaeological Fund. with Hotel des Ventes du Perigord, Bergerac, 24 June 2007. Property of a French collector.
Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities from the New Kingdom onwards. Despite his somewhat fearful appearance, Bes was the patron and protector of pregnant women and children. He was also believed to protect from snakes. -
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Pendant formed as a fly with domed eyes. 1.13 grams, 16 mm
From an early 20th century collection.
Considering Egyptian artists often depicted fly whisks in the hands of pharaohs and high officials, one might assume that flies were simply a nuisance. However, the Egyptians held flies in high regard due to their quick speed, reactions, and persistence. Small fly amulets were made from various materials, including gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. They were believed to protect against insect bites and ward off flying creatures through apotropaic magic. Additionally, the pharaoh would give gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to recognise the bravery and persistence of soldiers in battle. -
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Egyptian Amethyst Scarab in Gold Frame
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £572
Carved with lightly incised carapace, chipped to the obverse; set in a 19th century gold frame. 12.45 grams, 52 mm
From an early 20th century collection.
