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LOT 0483
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
CIRCA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/8 - 7 5/8 in. (58 grams total including package, 8.6-19.5 cm).
Comprising: a fragment of a clavus in coarse linen and dark brown wool, tapestry, with remains of a medallion embroidered with a lion running right; fragment of an orbiculus in linen and yellow and blue wool, S torsion, embroidered with vegetal and geometric patterns; two terminal fragments of a clavi, in red, green, dark blue and white wool. [4, 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.77, for a similar textile with a running lion.
FootnotesThese are decorative parts of tunics. The lion orbiculus in particular stands out for its delicate design and hunting theme. Dionysus and his entourage were often depicted on these tunics, despite the fact that these fabrics were produced in a by then heavily Christianised empire.
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 Faience Beaded Mummy Mask
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
A restrung beadwork panel of small glazed composition beads in various colours representing a mummy face mask with false beard. 29.7 grams, 12 cm wide
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
Bead masks like this were attached to the outside of a mummy's wrappings and often formed part of an elaborate beaded feature covering the entire body. -
Egyptian Faience Amulet and Scarab Group
Late-Ptolemaic Period, circa 664-30 B.C.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
Comprising: a Bes head amulet, a frog amulet, a wedjat, an amuletic plaque, and two scarabs. 19.8 grams total, 15-29 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
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.
