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LOT 0007
Egyptian Diorite Heart Scarab
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 in. (7.5 grams, 25 mm).
Finely carved, with naturalistic detailing to the upper body, legs shown folded beneath the body with suspension loop at centre.
ProvenanceFrom a 20th century UK collection.
FootnotesThe Egyptians saw the scarab as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. The beetle was associated with the sun god because scarabs roll large balls of dung in which to lay their eggs, a behaviour that the Egyptians thought resembled the progression of the sun through the sky from east to west. Scarab amulets were used for their magical rejuvenating properties by both the living and the dead. The regenerative powers of scarabs, such as the one offered here, could be used by either the living or the dead for healing and protection.
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 'Becker' Serpentine Vessel
New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, circa 1450 B.C.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
Piriform jar with wide, flat rim and short neck, narrow neck and flat base. 1.2 kg, 15.5 cm
Ex Becker collection, 1920s. Private collection, Los Angeles, USA, 1990s. Private European collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12576-232111.
Three forms of serpentine were mainly used by the ancient Egyptians for stone vessels: a) green or grey serpentine with black veins; b) translucent green serpentine with black patches; c) granular black serpentine with intermixed grey or brown granules. Type a) serpentine, i.e. the green or grey one with black veins, has the longer time range, and was used for vessels from the Predynastic Period (Naqada II) through the New Kingdom. It was used for stone vessels, but also became common for statuettes and small toilet vessels. The class of green glazed kohl pots, many with carved or openwork decoration which are usually called ‘glazed steatite’ were more likely to be made of serpentine. The type here represented is a form known in the New Kingdom: a bag-shaped jar with neck, flat base, and wide thin rim. Similar vessels have been found in Thebes, Amarna, Kahun, among other localities. -
Romano-Egyptian Faience and Other Bead Necklace String
Roman Period, 30 B.C.-323 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Composed mainly of alternating melon and oblate beads, the central feature with a large melon bead and a large discoid pendant, restrung. 42 grams, 29 cm
Ex Ancient Art Shop, Windsor, UK, 1990s. Ex private West County, UK, collection. -
Egyptian Steatite Plaque Amulet with Lotus
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Rectangular openwork plaque with two blooming lotus flowers, one on each side, pierced twice for suspension. 1.77 grams, 14 mm
From an early 20th century UK collection. Accompanied by a previously illustrated catalogue card with provenance.