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LOT 0428
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment
CIRCA 7TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
3 in. (11 grams total including package, 78 mm).
A fragment of an orbiculus in linen and red, brown, yellow and blue wool, S torsion, embroidered with an image of a putto with vine leaves around the head, surrounded by tondos ornamented with vegetal embroidery. [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, pp.204-205, for similar textiles.
FootnotesThis is a fragment from a tunic decoration, usually forming part of a double band on a red background, decorated with a series of motifs related to the Dionysian cult: usually depicting cherubs, fish, heads, palmettes, and figures of dancing puttoes within the orbiculi. The decorative motifs on these tunics were usually arranged vertically and horizontally.
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
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Egyptian Limestone Offering Table for Iny
Late Old Kingdom-First Intermediate Period, circa 2400-2040 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £11,700
Rectangular table with the upper part carved in high relief in the shape of a bread loaf on a mat representing the hieroglyphic sign for "offering" (ḥtp), with two rectangular recesses for libations, and extensive hieroglyphic inscriptions displaying offering formulae along with the titles and name of the deceased: "an offering that the king gives and Anubis, the one upon his mountain, a voice offering of bread and beer for the sole companion, god’s sealer, the revered one before the god, lord of the sky/heaven, In[y]". 14.75 kg, 45.5 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Private collection, Switzerland. with a North American collector. London collection, 2016. Accompanied by an academic report by Egyptologist Paul Whelan. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13001-244462.
Offering tables played a significant role in ritualistic activity within tombs. Their origins may be traced back to the simple act of placing a loaf of bread on a reed mat during Predynastic burials, which gradually evolved into a more formalised and durable expression in stone. The distinctive form also became a hieroglyph, used in words meaning “to be satisfied,” “to be satiated,” and similar expressions, reflecting appropriate sentiments for food and drink offerings. -
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Egyptian Alabaster Mirror Handle
New Kingdom, 18th-20th Dynasty, 1550-1070 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,900
In the form of a papyrus column, the upper platform pierced through for insertion of a bronze mirror, incised with lotus petals at the top of the shaft and at the base; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 482 grams total, 14.5 cm including stand
with Nicholas Wright, London, UK, 1969. Christie's, London, 14 April 2011, no.128. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12941-243535.
The papyrus stalk was used in the hieroglyphic script for the word 'wadj', meaning 'fresh', making it an appropriate talisman for the preservation of the body. -
Egyptian Stone Scarab with Hieroglyphs
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Incised detailing for the head and legs, hieroglyphs on the underside. 2.58 grams, 16 mm
Ex Simmons gallery, 1990s.
