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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 Amulet Collection
New Kingdom-Late Period, 1550-332 B.C.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
A mixed group of glazed composition amulets and beads comprising: white rectangular bead with Tilapia fish in high-relief and two cobras flanking a hem ideogram; turquoise frog on heater-shaped base with serpent to the underside; green scaraboid with wedjat to the carapace, Hathor sistrum with cow's horns to the underside; green ram-headed scaraboid with hieroglyphs to the underside; green cylinder with scarab motif; green wedjat with a cartouche of Thutmose III to the reverse; green rectangular bead with djed pillar flanked by ostrich feathers and incuse hieroglyphs to the reverse. 14.3 grams total, 14-27 mm
Two amulets with Bonhams, London, Knightsbridge, UK, 3 October 2000, lot 385 [Part]. Private Swiss collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11593-198956. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. -
Egyptian Terracotta Overseer Shabti
Ptolemaic Period, circa 3rd century B.C. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £826
A rare example of a terracotta shabti depicting an overseer wearing a civil kilt, incised whip over his right shoulder; stylised facial features with pinched profile and incised eyes, nostrils and mouth; incised stripe to the left shoulder; accompanied by a custom-made stand. 303 grams, 22.5 cm (465 grams total, 28 cm including stand)
Fine condition.
Acquired 1979-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent. Accompanied by a copy of a previous cataloguing slip. Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no.N122j43, from Oxford Authentication.
Many crude clay shabtis are known from provincial sites such as Deir Rifeh and Abydos, with dates ranging from the Late New Kingdom - Ptolemaic Period. This overseer figure would favour a dating closer to the earlier date, when overseer shabtis were a common feature. -
Egyptian Blue Faience Djed Pillar Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
A glazed composition amuletic pendant of the djed pillar with fine detailing; loop to the reverse. 2.75 grams, 34 mm
Ex Roger Liechti collection, Geneva, Switzerland.
