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LOT 0579
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
CIRCA 5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
2 5/8 - 5 1/2 in. (37 grams total including package, 6.7-14 cm).
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. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Cf. Del Francia Barocas, L., Museo dell'Alto Medioevo, Roma, I materiali Copti, p.100, no.12, for similar textiles.
FootnotesThe 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Faience Scarab of Amenhotep III
Late-Ptolemaic Period, circa 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Detailed body and legs, underside with a cartouche of Amenhotep III containing his throne name Nebmaatre. 6.4 grams, 22 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Egyptian Mummy Bead Necklace with Carnelian Feature Bead
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Restrung group of tubular and annular glazed composition beads with oblate centrepiece. 8.41 grams, 51 cm long
Previously with Astarte Gallery, London W1, UK, 1983. From the private collection of T.R. Elley, West Sussex, UK, 1980s. Accompanied by an invoice copy dated 18 October 1983. -
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
Circa 4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Comprising: a fragment of a clavus of tunic in purple wool on linen, embroidered with vegetal motifs patterned inside orbiculi, framed by straight borders with external crenellation; a fragment of segmentum in yellow, green and red wool, S torsion, embroidered with floral and geometric patterns. 46 grams total including package, 15-16 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The fragments are decorative parts of tunics. These are fabrics of great decorative finesse, with some elements displaying an unusual and extremely well-preserved color palette. The plant designs recall Iranian motifs.