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LOT 0419
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment
CIRCA 7TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/8 in. (10 grams total including package, 79 mm).
A fragment of a segmentum in linen and red, brown, yellow and blue wool, S torsion, embroidered with a female head and a goose. [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 possibly a fragment from a tunic decoration, usually forming a part of bands 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 Wooden Funerary Shabti Figurine
New Kingdom, circa 1570-1070 B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £540
Carved in the round as a mummiform figure, with a carefully modelled tripartite wig, a rounded face, large eyes, and a subtly simpering expression. 39 grams, 14.5 cm
Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, formed between 1950-1990s. with Liechti stock number 'E.825' to base. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12079-218221.
A shabti (also known as ushabti or shawabti) is a small funerary figurine found in ancient Egyptian tombs, from around 2000 BCE to 30 BCE. Its main purpose was to act as a servant for the deceased in the afterlife, carrying out manual tasks like farming or irrigation as directed by the gods. Shabtis were frequently inscribed with a magical formula from the Book of the Dead to ensure they would animate when summoned. -
Large Egyptian Blue Glazed Eye of Horus Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Wedjat amulet with applied black detailing to the pupil; upper edge absent. 11 grams, 59 mm
with Archaeologia, Switzerland, before 1983. Ex private North American collection. London private collection, 2016. -
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.