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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
AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Limestone Relief with Pharaoh Making Offerings
Ptolemaic-Roman Period, circa 332 B.C.-300 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,680
Rectangular relief showing the pharaoh wearing the pschent crown of Upper and Lower Egypt and presenting the hieroglyphic sign of a field (sḫt) in his outstretched palms towards the now barely discernible figure of a standing deity holding a long sceptre; an empty cartouche above and a column of worn hieroglyphic text below; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 18.4 kg total, 45.5 cm including stand
Acquired 1970s-1996. Private collection, Switzerland. with a North American collector. London collection, 2016. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12943-244661.
Scenes showing the pharaoh offering various items, including fields, to one or more deities are found in temples across Egypt. The empty cartouche is a feature most often seen in inscriptions from Ptolemaic and Roman-period temples, reflecting uncertainty over the holder of power in the country. -
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Egyptian Green Stone Frog Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £351
Modelled seated on an oval base; pierced for suspension. 1.47 grams, 13 mm
Mrs Allinson to Mrs Foster, 1867 and thence by descent to the current owner, Stanley Crescent, London, UK.
Frog amulets in ancient Egypt symbolised fertility, rebirth, and renewal. Associated with the goddess Heket, who was connected to childbirth and life-giving forces, these amulets were especially popular in contexts related to fertility and protection during pregnancy and labour. Their association with the annual Nile flood, which brought new life to the land, further underscored their symbolism of revival and abundance. -
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment
Circa 7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Large fragment of tapestry, comprising two segmenta, in red granate wool and coarse linen, on green wool background, S-Z torsion, embroidered with stylised birds, palmettes and other vegetal ornaments, the borders of both segmenta decorated with meanders. 103 grams total including package, 31 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
This fabric was probably part of a wall tapestry or of a large garment. In 7th century A.D., the stylisation was always more evident on the embroidery of the Coptic textiles, especially when the Arab conquest banned the imagery of the Graeco-Roman world. The decoration was mostly concentrated on geometric ornaments or images of stylised animals.
