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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 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. -
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
Circa 5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Comprising a fragment of a clavus in white and purple linen and wool, S torsion, the central scene representing a dancer; a small fragment of a double segmenta, ornamented with vegetal embroidery; two orbiculi, one embroidered with a flower inside a rondo and with a cross in the centre, the other with a simple vegetal ornament. 40 grams total including package, 7.2-15.7 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The segmentum with the dancer 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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Egyptian Rock Crystal Scarab
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
Carved scarab with segmented carapace and legs. 6.45 grams, 23 mm
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