Egyptian Bronze Offering Table with Ramesses II Cartouche

With detailed clypeus and head, raised ridge separating the wing case, resting on an oval base with plain underside. 10.1 grams, 27 mm



From the property of a London, UK, gentleman, 1970-2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The scarab, which represented the dung beetle, was the most popular amulet in ancient Egypt for approximately two thousand years until the Ptolemaic Period when it gradually fell out of favour. The popularity of scarabs extended beyond the borders of Egypt, and they were also distributed and produced in other regions, such as Phoenicia and Israel. The beetle is named khepri, derived from the verb 'to come into existence', and was considered the embodiment of the creator god Khepri, who was self-engendered. The ancient Egyptians mistakenly believed that the young beetle emerging from the dung ball was the result of an act of self-creation.

Showing a female figure as part of a procession, carrying a loaf of bread, a second offerant behind her; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 3.12 kg total, 42 cm high including stand



From the estate of the late Professor Dr E. Bernardo Streiff, Geneva; a distinguished collection of antiquities formed during the 1950s-1970s. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12625-236383. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Professor Dr E. Bernardo Streiff (1911-2001) was a prominent Swiss physician and academic based in Geneva, best known for his contributions to medical science as well as his deep passion for ancient art and antiquities. Over the course of several decades, particularly between the 1950s and 1970s, Professor Streiff assembled a highly regarded private collection of antiquities, reflecting both scholarly discernment and aesthetic sensitivity. His interests focused on the art and material culture of the ancient Mediterranean, with a particular emphasis on Greek, Etruscan, and Roman objects. A connoisseur guided by academic rigour, Dr Streiff maintained close ties with museums, galleries, and archaeological experts of his time. Many pieces from his collection were acquired from leading European dealers and fairs, and are notable for their quality, provenance, and condition. Following his passing, objects from the Streiff collection have appeared in respected sales and exhibitions, recognised for their integrity and the refined eye of the collector behind them.

Tapering round-section hairpin, with a finial fashioned as a seated baboon with its tail resting along the body. 5.4 grams, 89 mm



Ex Thomas collection, UK, 1980s-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Decorative hairpins often feature animals such as monkeys and cats, and inanimate objects such as olives.