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LOT 0535
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
CIRCA 4TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/8 - 5 1/4 in. (41 grams total including package, 10.5-13.3 cm).
Comprising: a segmentum in red, green and black wool upon coarse linen, S torsion, embroidered with two stylised human figures, standing with the arms along the body, inscribed within a square framed with red and black chevrons, black and yellow borders; 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 square embroidery used to decorate 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Faience Shabti
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
D-shaped in section with tripartite wig and arms crossed at the chest. 6.6 grams, 60 mm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Egyptian Blue Faience Bead Necklace with Taweret
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
A restrung designer necklace composed of cylindrical and annular beads, central feature composed of polychrome annular beads flanking a Taweret amulet; modern clasp. 21.2 grams, 27.6 cm
Private collection, UK.
The ancient Egyptian goddess Taweret is mainly associated with fertility, childbirth, motherhood, and the protection of women during pregnancy and labour. She is depicted as a composite creature, combining various animal features, and is one of the more unique and striking deities in the Egyptian pantheon. Taweret’s name comes from the Egyptian word for "great" or "large" (tꜣwꜣrt), reflecting her formidable and protective nature. -
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Comprising a fragment of a clavus in white and purple linen and wool, S torsion, borders embroidered with pilasters, the central scene representing eagles alternating with geometric elements; a small fragment of another clavus, ornamented with running lions and fishes, borders with geometric patterns; a third fragment of a clavus, ornamented with vegetal patterns. 20 grams total including package, 6.1-15.6 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The clavi are realised in tapestry technique, and the one with prominent figures has a rounded end. They were part of a tunic decoration and the presence of the Imperial eagle, not a common pattern, could refer to a military tunic.
