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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 Hieroglyphic Shabti For Djed-Bastet-iuef-ankh
Third Intermediate Period, 1069-702 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
With pale blue surface and applied black detailing to hair, seed-bag and tools; faint hieroglyphs to lower body giving the dedication 'The Osiris, Djed-Bastet-iuef-ankh'. 18.9 grams, 80 mm
From a UK collection in the 1990s. Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman. -
Egyptian Multi-Stranded Faience Mummy Bead Necklace
Late Period, 664-525 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Composed of polychrome beads of mainly tubular and annular types; modern clasp. 31 grams, 72 cm long
Acquired before 1979. From the private collection of Mr F. A., South Kensington, London, UK; thence by descent 2014.
For thousands of years, artisans in Egypt created vibrant ceramics to echo the beauty of rare jewels. These ornaments were created with almost every material, colour and texture imaginable and they come from across Egypt and beyond: vibrant blue lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, glossy black obsidian from Turkey, and aqua-green turquoise from the Sinai. They were worn in life and, after death, they served as precious ornamentation for mummies. -
Egyptian Glass Eye Fragment
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
The sclera formed of translucent yellow glass, a large dark blue pupil with dark red hue to the centre. 1.08 grams, 20 mm
Ex London, Mayfair, UK, gallery. Property of a North London, UK, gentleman.