Egyptian Faience Mummy Bead Bracelet

Mixed group including millefiori and modelled types. 30.2 grams total, 26-42 mm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.

The 19th century ring with D-section hoop expanding at the shoulders; the oval intaglio engraved with a seated woman offering food or drink from a cup to a creature with the body of a crocodile and a falcon head; accompanied by a custom-made display case and impression. 5.23 grams, 23.98 mm overall, 18.87 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)



Acquired in the 1980s. with Christie's, Ancient Jewellery, 7 December 2006, lot 277. 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.11779-204569.

An important creator god, Soknopaios is depicted here with the crocodile body of Sobek and the falcon head of Re. It has been suggested that the falcon head of Soknopaios alludes to association with the goddess Isis's son Horus. It can also depict an image of the so-called ‘nine shaped one’ (εννεάμορφος), a figure mentioned several times in the magical rituals written in Greek but with a strong Egyptian religious background. This deity is often understood as the bios (i.e. an incarnation) of the supreme god Amun-Re, often accompanied by a surrounding ouroboros serpent.

Comprising a double band for sleeve (segmenta), decorated with vegetal and animal patterns, forming two narrow bands with a vertical succession of stylised spirals of foliage, alternating figures of hares. 94 grams, 43 x 23 cm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.

Tapestry technique of wool on linen. It is highly probable that this tapestry was part of a tunic decoration, a double segmentum, applied on the wrists of the garment and decorating the lower part of the sleeves.