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LOT 0475
Egyptian Faience Shu Amulet
LATE PERIOD–PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-30 B.C.
3/4 in. (1.49 grams, 18 mm).
Schematically modelled a kneeling figure of the god with arms raised above his head, holding a stylised solar disc, pierced through the dorsal pillar; supplied with a stand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of David Donlan (1947-2025), a dedicated and lifelong collector with a passion for the ancient world and the natural sciences, forming his collection from 1960s onwards, using many reputable dealers across the United Kingdom, including the well-regarded Coincraft and The Parthenon Gallery.
LiteratureCf. Tinius, I., Altägypten in Braunschweig. Die Sammlungen des Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museums und des Städtischen Museums, Wiesbaden, 2011, pp. 147-148, no. 270, for an amulet with a similarly flattened sun disc.
FootnotesShu amulets could serve both the dead and the living: they were placed between the mummy bandages on the lower part of the deceased’s torso, allowing the dead to pass smoothly on their journey towards rebirth; they could also serve as a magical amulet at birth, symbolising a protector of new life.
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 Steatite Bust in a Gold Pendant
Ptolemaic-Roman Period, 2nd century B.C.-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
Fragment of a carved panel or vessel depicting a female bust, possibly a queen or Isis, modelled in half-round relief, wearing a loosely draped tunic, a tiered wesekh collar, and a heavy curled, tripartite wig; reverse with lotus flower ropework and other ornamentation; mounted in a later gold suspension frame. 8.75 grams, 38 mm
Private collection, Southern France, 1970s. Acquired on the English art market.
This fragment likely originates from an elaborately decorated bowl belonging to a specific group thought to have been made in Alexandria (cf. Page-Gasser, M., Wiese, A.B., Ägypten: Augenblicke der Ewigkeit, Mainz, 1997, for a complete example). The purpose of these bowls is unclear, but they may have been used as votive offerings in sanctuaries. -
Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Cartouche of Thutmose III
New Kingdom, 1504-1450 B.C. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £182
Anatomical detailing on the carapace and articulated legs, underside with hieroglyphic inscription including a cartouche. 2.08 grams, 16 mm
Ex Roseberys Auctions, 2025. Private collection, London, UK. -
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Egyptian Steatite Heart Scarab
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
With ribbed carapace and suspension loop to underside. 2.89 grams, 22 mm
Acquired on the European art market in the early 2000s. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland.
