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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.
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 Coptic Textile Fragment Group
Circa 4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Comprising: terminal part of a clavus connected by a thin band to the missing orbiculus in red granate and coarse linen, S torsion, embroidered with stylised birds and palmettes; fragment of fabric, embroidered with two segments, in black, red granate and white wool, over a coarse linen background; the internal part of the segments decorated with motifs of running hares, the linen background with opposed running black hares. 61 grams total including package, 23-23.5 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The clavus and orbiculus ornamented a tunic of white linen, often given to soldiers or member of the military class. The stylised birds possibly represent swans. -
Egyptian Bronze Harpokrates Statuette
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
Devotional figurine of Harpokrates seated with his hand raised to his mouth, wearing a nemes headdress with curled side lock, topped by an elaborate hem-hem crown characteristic of the god. 59 grams, 10.7 cm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
Harpokrates is the Greek rendering of the Egyptian name Hor-pa-khered, which means ‘Horus the Child’. This name refers to Horus as the divine infant of Isis and Osiris. Wearing an amulet of Harpokrates was believed to offer the same protection that Isis granted to her beloved son. Larger bronze statuettes like this example were likely votive offerings to Harpokrates to secure his favour and protection. -
Large Egyptian Quadruple Eye of Horus Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
Plaque with transverse piercing; four addorsed wedjat motifs with black detailing. 31.6 grams, 64 mm
Ex J Bird private collection. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.
