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LOT 0508
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
CIRCA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
1 7/8 - 2 5/8 in. (11 grams total including package, 47-67 mm).
Comprising: an orbiculus in coarse linen and brown wool, S torsion, embroidered with a stylised figure; a fragment of a second orbiculus in red, green, white and black wool, crenellated borders. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Cf. Institut du monde arabe, L'art copte en Égypte: 2000 ans de Christianisme : exposition présentée à l'Institut du monde arabe, Paris, du 15 mai au 3 septembre 2000, Paris, 2000, p.191, no.211, for a similar textile image on papyrus.
FootnotesThe iconography of this fragment is called "Nilotic," as it depicts plant and human elements linked to life on the Nile River. These images are recurrent on Coptic textiles. Weavers created patterns that allowed them to reproduce these motifs on any type of fabric (curtains, tassels, clothing).
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 Coptic Textile Fragment Group
Circa 5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Comprising a fragment of a large segmentum in linen and wool, embroidered with a dancer, followed by a tondo with a Nereid riding a dolphin, borders with geometric decorations; an orbiculus decorated with vegetal patterns. 37 grams total including package, 6.7-14 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The segmentum was probably part of the vertical clavus of a tunic; it is highly probable that the embroidery refers to the Dionysian cycle with dancers, animals and probably, in the missing parts, hunters. -
Egyptian Faience Triad Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Comprising in high relief the Osirian triad (Nephthys, Horus, Isis) standing side by side on an integral plinth against a dorsal pillar; Nephthys (right) and Isis (left) shown frontally wearing headdresses with their own attributes, each holding the hands of Horus in the centre, naked and wearing the side-lock of youth; ribbed loop at the top for suspension. 8.56 grams, 33 mm
From the collection of a Swedish noble family, 1920s. -
Romano-Egytian Bead and Amulet Collection
Late 1st millennium B.C.-early 1st millennium A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £65
Including annular, tubular, tabular and other beads, and other items. 28 grams total, 0.6-12 cm
From an old deceased estate. Property of an East London lady collector, acquired at auction before 1995.
