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LOT 0543
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
CIRCA 6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 - 6 1/8 in. (20 grams total including package, 6.1-15.6 cm).
Comprising a fragment of a clavus in white and purple linen and wool, S torsion, borders embroidered with pilasters, the central scene representing eagles alternating with geometric elements; a small fragment of another clavus, ornamented with running lions and fishes, borders with geometric patterns; a third fragment of a clavus, ornamented with vegetal patterns. [5, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Cf. Del Francia Barocas, L., Museo dell'Alto Medioevo, Roma, I materiali Copti, pp.162-163, for similar textiles.
FootnotesThe clavi are realised in tapestry technique, and the one with prominent figures has a rounded end. They were part of a tunic decoration and the presence of the Imperial eagle, not a common pattern, could refer to a military tunic.
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AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Limestone Offering Table for Iny
Late Old Kingdom-First Intermediate Period, circa 2400-2040 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £11,700
Rectangular table with the upper part carved in high relief in the shape of a bread loaf on a mat representing the hieroglyphic sign for "offering" (ḥtp), with two rectangular recesses for libations, and extensive hieroglyphic inscriptions displaying offering formulae along with the titles and name of the deceased: "an offering that the king gives and Anubis, the one upon his mountain, a voice offering of bread and beer for the sole companion, god’s sealer, the revered one before the god, lord of the sky/heaven, In[y]". 14.75 kg, 45.5 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Private collection, Switzerland. with a North American collector. London collection, 2016. Accompanied by an academic report by Egyptologist Paul Whelan. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13001-244462.
Offering tables played a significant role in ritualistic activity within tombs. Their origins may be traced back to the simple act of placing a loaf of bread on a reed mat during Predynastic burials, which gradually evolved into a more formalised and durable expression in stone. The distinctive form also became a hieroglyph, used in words meaning “to be satisfied,” “to be satiated,” and similar expressions, reflecting appropriate sentiments for food and drink offerings. -
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment
Circa 4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
An orbiculus in yellow, green and red wool and coarse linen, on brown linen background, S torsion, embroidered with a stylised hare within a green circle. 11 grams total including package, 71 mm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
In early Christian iconography, the hare was a symbol representing primarily the Church hiding in Christ (the ‘rock’ of Psalm 103:18) from a sinful world. This interpretation drew from the Old Testament's description of the hare as a weak creature that makes its lair in the rock, signifying the Church's reliance on Christ for safety. It was also linked to resurrection and fertility. -
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
Circa 4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Comprising: terminal part of a clavus connected by a thin band to the missing orbiculus in red granate and coarse linen, S torsion, embroidered with stylised birds and palmettes; fragment of fabric, embroidered with two segments, in black, red granate and white wool, over a coarse linen background; the internal part of the segments decorated with motifs of running hares, the linen background with opposed running black hares. 61 grams total including package, 23-23.5 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The clavus and orbiculus ornamented a tunic of white linen, often given to soldiers or member of the military class. The stylised birds possibly represent swans.
