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LOT 0457
Egyptian Carnelian Scarab
NEW KINGDOM-LATE PERIOD, 1550-332 B.C.
3/4 in. (3.07 grams, 19 mm).
A finely carved carnelian scarab (Scarabaeus sacer) modelled naturalistically in the round with anatomical detailing to the carapace, head, legs and underside of the body; slightly domed profile; drilled laterally to the underside of the body for suspension.
ProvenanceFrom 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 no.114474-196152.
Cf. The Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum, accession number 3791, for a similar scarab dated to the Late Period.
FootnotesThe 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.
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 Marble Eye Inlay
Late Period, 664-525 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
A carved white marble eye inlay from a statue; unfinished. 24.4 grams, 58 mm
London, UK, art market, 1980s. From the collection of G.M.R.H., London, UK. -
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Egyptian Bronze Oxyrhynchus Fish Figure
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £702
A bronze votive oxyrhynchus fish on a sledge base; the fish with inlaid eyes (now missing), hatched dorsal fin, hatched and engraved usekh collar, disc and horned crown fronted by sacred uraeus; suspension loop behind. 163 grams, 85 mm wide
Acquired 1980s. Private collection of L.H., Staffordshire, UK. Property of a Sussex, UK, teacher.
The oxyrhynchus fish was sacred to the goddess Hathor, and was often depicted wearing her crown on its head, an image that may have reproduced an actual temple cult statue. It was also connected to the myth of god Osiris, believed to have eaten his penis after god Seth had dismembered and scattered the god's body. The fish was worshipped under the name Medjed. -
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Egyptian Faience Amulet Bust
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
A composition amulet fragment in the form of the head and upper torso of a goddess wearing a long lappet wig and remains of a crown, with stylised detailing to the face; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 3.7 grams total, 22 mm high (32 mm high including stand)
Fine condition.
From an earlier 20th century collection. with Charles Ede, London, UK, stock number 2700. Acquired circa 1999-2002. Property of a South Oxfordshire private collector.
