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LOT 0491
Egyptian Faience Fish Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 3/4 in. (3.20 grams, 43 mm).
Tilapia fish modelled in the round; tail restored. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of Doctor Girard, a collector for over 60 years.
with Hotel des Ventes de Clermont-Ferrand, 22 May 2017.
Property of a French collector.
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, pl.93(c).
FootnotesThis amulet represents a ‘Tilapia nilotica’ or ‘bolti’, a prevalent fish species found in the Nile. Not only was it esteemed for its delicious taste, but it was also revered as a symbol of rebirth and resurrection due to its unique ability to carry its eggs in its mouth, suggesting self-creation.
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 Alabaster Bowl
1st Dynasty, circa 3000 B.C.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Of conical profile with flattened base, carinated shoulder and stepped rounded rim, possibly for accepting a lid. 380 grams, 11.6 cm wide
Property from an American deceased estate, acquired between 19770-1989. with Bonhams, London, 28 October 2009, no.16 (Part). Private European collection. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12071-215259. -
Egyptian Faience Block Bead of Ramesses IV
New Kingdom, 20th Dynasty, 1166-1160 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
Rectangular block with hieroglyphs on both faces; one side gives the throne name of Ramesses IV (Heka-Maat-Re), the other side gives the name of the god Amun-Re. 1.45 grams, 14 mm
Ex Emile Bouillon Bey, c. 1880. From the Gaston Maspero Archaeological Fund. with Hotel des Ventes du Perigord, Bergerac, 24 June 2007. Property of a French collector. -
Egyptian Bronze Statuette of Osiris
Late Period, 664-525 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Modelled in the round wearing the atef crown with a uraeus to the brow, arms crossed on the chest holding the nekhakha (flail) and heka (crook); loop to rear of the neck; feet absent and damage to left shoulder revealing original lead core. 74 grams, 92 mm
Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995. with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1, UK, 1998-2003. Property of a London based academic, 2003-present.
Osiris was a deity who represents death and fertility and is commonly regarded as the quintessential god of rebirth. Though he was once a mortal ruler, as a deceased entity, his domain was the Underworld. Small figurines like this example were dedicated to the god to ensure his good favour.
