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LOT 0587
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
CIRCA 4TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/8 - 5 1/8 in. (36 grams total including package, 8.7-13 cm).
Comprising: an orbiculus in purple wool and coarse linen, on brown linen background, S torsion, embroidered with two stylised lions, the borders crenellated; a tabula in purple wool and coarse linen, on brown linen background, S torsion, embroidered with a central cross, the borders decorated with meanders. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Cf. Forrer, R., Die Graeber und Textilfunde von Achmim Panopolis, Strassburg, 1891, pl.V no.7, for a similar tabula.
FootnotesThe tabula, or tablion, was a squared embroidery decorating tunics or mantles. The Christian elements, like the cross at the centre of our tabula, began to decorate the garments from the 4th century onwards.
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 Green Glass Pharaonic Face Inlay
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Formed as the profile of a youthful face with shallow socket to accept an eye-insert. 1.21 grams, 17 mm
Ex French collection, early 20th century. From the collection of a late Japanese gentleman, 1970s onwards. -
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 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.
