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LOT 0438
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
CIRCA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 - 2 1/2 in. (9 grams total including package, 60-64 mm).
Comprising: an orbiculus in coarse linen and brown wool, S torsion, embroidered with the image of a stylised bird, surrounded by tondos ornamented with geometric embroidery, borders meander decorated; a similar fragment of double segmenta, embroidered with hares alternated to fishes. [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 very 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 Steatite and Faience Scarab Group
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £299
Comprising: a vibrant blue scarab with two crocodiles on the underside; a cream-coloured scaraboid with a trussed duck on the underside; a square plaque with two scarabs on the upper side, and a hawk-headed god before a seated figure of Amun on the underside. 7.3 grams total, 15-19 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
Circa 4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
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. 11 grams total including package, 47-67 mm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The 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). -
Egyptian Faience Mummy Bead Necklace with Carnelian Feature Beads
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
A long, restrung designer necklace of annular beads with spherical, tubular and other types. 2.2.28 grams, 96 cm
From an old deceased estate. Property of an East London lady collector, acquired at auction before 1995.
