Loading, please wait...
LOT 0499
Egyptian Faience Eye of Horus
LATE NEW KINGDOM, CIRCA 1300-1075 B.C.
3/4 in. (0.78 grams, 21 mm).
Openwork wedjat eye pendant with suspension loop above and slender frame.
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s onwards.
Private collection of Michael O'Hara, Cambridgeshire, UK.
Cf. Kalloniatis, F., The Egyptian Collection at Norwich Castle Museum, Oxford, 2019, pl.17 no.117, for a similar openwork example.
FootnotesThe wedjat eye amulet symbolised the eye of the falcon god Horus. According to ancient Egyptian mythology, Horus’ eye was gouged out by his treacherous uncle Seth and then healed by Thoth. While these amulets could be worn for protection in daily life, they also played a significant role in the funerary sphere. Wedjat eye amulets were believed to offer protection to the deceased’s mummy and could serve as substitutes for daily food offerings.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Egyptian Turquoise Faience Amphora
Roman Period, 1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
A turquoise blue faience jar probably made in Roman Egypt, in a form similar to that of a Greek column krater, with a broad shoulder and rim, two angled strap handles with scalloped ends, band of raised scales to the shoulder, lotus leaves to the body and shoulder; restored. 2.2 kg, 21 cm wide
Fine condition, restored.
Acquired on the European art market mid 1990s. with Bonhams, Knightsbridge, 22 September 1998, lot 31. with Bonhams, Knightsbridge, 22 April 1999, lot 641. with Christie's, London, 18 October 2005, lot 10. Previously with Mansour Gallery, London W1. Property of a North West London gentleman. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's and Bonhams catalogue pages. -
Egyptian Faience Mummy Bead Mask
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
A panel of small glazed composition beads in various colours representing a mummy face mask with false beard with netted border; restrung with some later beads. 42 grams, 13.5 cm
Ex Mariaud des Serres, Paris, France, 1990s. -
Egyptian Faience Amulet with Thoth as Ibis and Maat
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £667
On a wedge-shaped base and decorated in turquoise glaze; the ibis's beak resting on a diminutive figure of the goddess Maat; suspension loop on the neck of the bird; collector's inventory number E509' on the underside; accompanied by a custom-made display base. 22 grams total, 43 mm wide including stand
Ex Reine Margot, 1973. Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, collection between 1950-1990s.
In the judgment of the dead (Book of the Dead saying 125), Thoth, who is often represented in ibis form, records the result of weighing the heart of the deceased. The god is therefore mostly depicted in connection with the goddess Maat, whose feather was used as a counterbalance to the purity of the heart; such amulets were thus aimed at protecting the deceased from failing in the decision of the court of the dead.