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LOT 0497
Egyptian Bronze Heket as Frog Statuette
ROMAN PERIOD, 30 B.C.-323 A.D.
1 in. (35 grams, 28 mm).
Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing, with head raised.
Provenance‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
LiteratureCf. Petrie, W.M.F., Glass Stamps and Weights. Ancient Weights and Measures. Illustrated by the Egyptian Collection in University College, London, London, 1974, pl.IX, for similar examples.
FootnotesThis may be a weight, since small bronze statuettes of various animals including frogs were used as counterbalances on scales.
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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Phoenician Carnelian Scaraboid with Semitic Inscription
8th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
With a domed upper face and bevelled side edge; base inscribed over two lines or columns separated by three lines; pierced for suspension; chip to base. 1.9 grams, 15 mm
From an old French collection, formed in the 1980s-1990s. Property of a North London antiquary. -
Egyptian Faience Hieroglyphic Scarab Group
Second Intermediate Period, circa 1650 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Comprising: one in white glazed composition with figure of a baboon (the god Thoth) to the underside; four similar in blue-turquoise with hieroglyphs. 12.1 grams total, 15-19 mm
From a family collection formed 1900-1950; by descent circa 1980. -
Egyptian Green Jasper Heart Scarab
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
Finely carved, with naturalistic detailing to the upper body, legs shown folded beneath the body with suspension loop at centre. 6.8 grams, 24 mm
From an early 20th century Home Counties collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11846-207088.
The Egyptians saw the scarab as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. The beetle was associated with the sun god because scarabs roll large balls of dung in which to lay their eggs, a behavior that the Egyptians thought resembled the progression of the sun through the sky from east to west. Scarab amulets were used for their magical rejuvenating properties by both the living and the dead. The regenerative powers of scarabs such as the one offered here could be used by either the living or the dead for healing and protection. The striking red/orange colour of the carnelian stone used to produce this amulet strengthens its solar associations.
