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LOT 0465
Egyptian Faience Mummy Beadwork Mask
PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 332-30 B.C.
12 5/8 in. (145 grams, 32 cm).
A netted beadwork panel of annular and tubular glazed composition beads depicting a mummy face mask with a false beard, a scarab with extended wings below, and beneath the 'Four Sons of Horus’, Hapy, Imsety, Qebehsenuef, and Duamutef, joined together with areas of open netting of tubular examples; restrung with some later beads.
ProvenanceMariaud de Serres, Paris, 1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The Four Sons of Horus were deities responsible for protecting the deceased's internal organs. The human-headed Imsety protected the liver, the baboon-headed Hapy protected the lungs, the jackal-headed Duamutef protected the stomach, and the falcon-headed Qebehsenuef protected the intestines. These internal organs were often placed in canopic jars with the head of the respective Son of Horus.
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 Faience Amulet Collection
1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £600 - 800 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
Comprising: an amuletic bead consisting of a row of seven Taweret figures on a rectangular base, pierced longitudinally; a seated ibis before a diminutive figure of Maat on a tongue-shaped base; a cippus amulet composed of the figure of Pataikos standing on two crocodiles, with two hawks perched on his shoulders, a scarab on his head, flanked by the figures of Isis and Nephthys, and on the back, a winged goddess standing on the crocodiles' tails. 6.5 grams total, 16-30 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Egyptian Gold Uraeus Amulet
Late New Kingdom, 1279-1070 B.C.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
Depicting a rearing cobra sporting a sun disc with its coiled body below resting on the hieroglyphic neb sign. 0.38 grams, 11 mm
From an early 20th century French collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Egyptian Ithyphallic Terracotta Reclining Figure
Ptolemaic Period, 3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Probably depicting young Harpocrates, holding his weight on his left arm, enormous phallus resting between his spread legs, shaved head and side-lock braid. 319 grams, 13 cm vwide
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.
A few early Hellenistic terracotta figures show the ithyphallic youth Harpocrates reclining on his phallus, usually depicted (when preserved) with a bald or shaved head and side-lock, sometimes in Macedonian dress. Some in this form have hermaphrodite-like features, although this may be little more than just the representation of a plump baby. 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.