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LOT 0588
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
CIRCA 4TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/4 - 4 3/4 in. (33 grams total including package, 10.7-12.2 cm).
Comprising: remains of a segmentum in yellow, green and brown wool over a red linen background, S torsion, embroidered with a central band and coloured buds; a near complete tablion with representation of a dancer, inside a rondo, with four hares running on the four corners, triangular border on the external edge. [3, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Cf. Del Francia Barocas, L., Antinoe, Cent’anni dopo,catalogo della mostra, Firenze, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, 10 Luglio – 1 novembre 1998, p.185, for similar textiles.
FootnotesThe central dancing figure, with her attributes and attitude, can only be interpreted as a Maenad, isolated from the Bacchic procession and abandoned to sacred trances.
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 Clay Papyrus Document Clay Sealing
Roman Period, 30 B.C.-323 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Irregular in plan and wedge-shaped in section, impressed profile bust of a female. 1.18 grams, 17 mm
From the collection of a Buckinghamshire, UK, collector established from the earlier 1960s. -
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
Circa 4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Comprising: a fragment of a double segmenta from the sleeve of a tunic in purple wool on linen, embroidered with vegetal motifs; the fragment of a double segmenta from the hem of a cloak in brown wool on linen, embroidered with S pattern; a tablion with central geometric motif and border embroidered with meanders; a fragment of tapestry in yellow, green and red wool, S torsion, embroidered with floral patterns. 59 grams total including package, 7-24.5 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The fragments are decorative parts of tunics and cloaks. These are fabrics of great decorative finesse, with some elements displaying an unusual and extremely well-preserved color palette. The plant designs recall Iranian motifs. -
Egyptian Gold Bes Amulet
New Kingdom, circa 1550-1070 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
Mask of Bes with feathered crown; attachment bar to reverse. 3.57 grams, 18 mm
Ex French collection, early 20th century. From the collection of a late Japanese gentleman, 1970s onwards.
From the New Kingdom onwards, Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities. Despite his somewhat fearsome appearance, Bes served as the patron and protector of pregnant women and children, and was also believed to shield them from snakes.
