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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 Limestone 'Floral' Inlay Group
Roman Period, 30 B.C.-323 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Group of discoid inlay plaques or gaming counters, crinoids with cinquefoil motif. 36 grams total, 11-18 mm
From a central London ADA dealership, 1980-1990. -
Phoenician Faience Scarab Group
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Mixed scarab and scaraboid group, two with design to the underside. 2.47 grams total, 8-11 mm
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Egyptian Bronze Statue of the God Osiris
Late Period, 664-525 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
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); trapezoidal base with long tenon beneath. 136 grams, 14 cm
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 is 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. Abydos was the primary centre of Osiris’ cult, where a renowned yearly celebration of the god was held. Many small figurines like this were dedicated to the god at temples throughout Egypt.
