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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 Blue Faience Pataikos Amulet Pair
Late Period, 664-525 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Each in pale blue composition, the larger a bust with bale to rear of the neck, the smaller the full nude form (minus the lower legs). 22 grams total, 40-43 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-present.
Pataikos is a representation of the creator deity Ptah, and his diminutive form is a symbol of his immense magical power. -
Large Egyptian Blue Glazed Hieroglyphic Shabti for a Sem Priest
Saite Period, 26th Dynasty, 664-525 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
Pale blue composition with moulded detail to the wig, beard, tools and seed bag; nine horizontal bands of hieroglyphic text to the lower half of the body; dorsal pillar. 230 grams, 18.2 cm
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-present. -
Egyptian Hardstone Scarab with Bes
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Plano-convex in section with detailed obverse, the underside with the figure of Bes flanked by adoring baboons and sun disks. 10.7 grams, 31 mm
Ex London, UK collection, 1990s.
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 and believed to protect the wearer from snakes. The depiction of baboons flanking Bes with their arms raised before the sun disk was a common feature on temple wall reliefs. In ancient Egyptian religious literature, baboons heralded the dawn and, thus, the rebirth of the sun.
