Loading, please wait...
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Egyptian Blue Faience Grapes Amulet
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Plano-convex in section with integral loop. 1.38 grams, 19 mm
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., 1969-1999. -
Egyptian Faience Mummy Bead Necklace with Bastet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £111
Restrung necklace of tubular and annular beads with later pendant figure of Bastet as centrepiece. 9.93 grams, 80 cm long
From a private Tyneside collection, formed since the early 2000s. -
Egyptian Anhydrite Cosmetic Bowl
Middle Kingdom, circa 2040-1780 B.C.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
Conical in profile with rounded rim, narrow disc base; repaired; a rare stone. 33.68 grams, 39 mm
Ex William Ohly, 1883-1955. Ex Abbey Museum, Barnet, by descent.
Anhydrite, incorrectly called "blue marble" by early excavators, was a stone favoured by the ancient Egyptians from the Middle Kingdom to the Second Intermediate Period. This particular example follows a Middle Kingdom-style cosmetic kohl jar that could be modelled with or without an integral rim.
