Egyptian Faience Mummy Bead Necklace

The headless deity, possibly Harpocrates, seated on a throne, forearms resting on thighs and flanking a protruding phallus, wearing a medallion around the neck; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 280 grams total, 97 mm including stand



The Erotica Collection Christian von Faber-Castell, Küsnacgt ZH, Switzerland, since the late 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Figural plaques of ithyphallic Harpocrates seated on a block seat with forearms on thighs and hands each side of a projecting phallus were rare types from Naukratis, Temai el-Amohel. They can be dated to the early Hellenistic Period, circa 330 B.C. Christian von Faber-Castell (born 1950) is a renowned German entrepreneur and art collector, best known as a member of the prominent Faber-Castell family, famed for their iconic writing instruments. A passionate advocate for art and culture, Christian von Faber-Castell curated an extensive and diverse private collection of erotica, spanning centuries and cultures. His collection reflects a deep appreciation for the interplay of beauty, sensuality, and artistic expression, bringing together rare and unique works that explore themes of intimacy and human connection. Pieces from this collection have been featured in notable exhibitions and are celebrated for their artistic and historical significance. This offering represents a rare opportunity to acquire works from one of the most fascinating and eclectic private collections of its kind.

Modelled in the round in a striding pose wearing a tight-fitting robe and sporting the Red (deshret) Crown of Lower Egypt; eyes inlaid with silver, an elaborate ornamental collar to the chest; the right arm hanging at the side, the left arm bent at the elbow with hand clenched to accept a staff, possibly a papyrus sceptre; mounted on a custom-made stand. 162 grams total, 12.7 cm including stand



From a 1940s collection based on the base and remains of label verso. From the Keane private collection, Kent, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12479-229477. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Neith is one of the oldest ancient Egyptian deities with roots in the Early Dynastic Period. She is often depicted as a woman wearing the Red Crown of Lower Egypt and carrying a sceptre, symbolising her divine power. As a warrior and mother figure, Neith embodies creation, wisdom, and warfare. Her cult rose in prominence during the Ramesside Period as she became linked with the sun god. The primary centre of her worship was the city of Sais in the western Nile Delta, which became a significant religious and political hub during the 26th Dynasty (664–525 B.C.). Kings of this era claimed her as their protector and identified with her in royal titles.

Including drum-shaped types with marvered eye-motifs. 65 grams total, 10-25 mm



UK gallery, early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

The category belongs to the cylindrical turquoise eye beads with dark blue and white decorations. Pre-Roman glass beads of this type, generally dated to the Iron Age (end of the ninth century B.C. to 218 B.C.), have been found in significant amounts in the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, especially in Phoenician and Punic burial contexts.