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LOT 0446
Egyptian Faience Wadj Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 1/2 in. (1.92 grams, 39 mm).
Square-section wadj papyrus stalk amulet surmounted by a ram's head wearing the Atef crown; the front inscribed with ankh (life) and renpet (year) hieroglyphs. [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, item 25(d), for type.
FootnotesThe papyrus column or wadj amulet is typically made out of turquoise feldspar or faience, as is prescribed in the Book of the Dead. The word wadj, meaning “green”, evokes concepts of well-being and vitality. Papyrus amulets were often placed around the neck of the deceased to ensure eternal youth in the afterlife. The ram's head is associated with the god Amun and the Atef crown with Osiris, ruler of the Underworld.
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 Female Fertility Figurine Plaque
Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, 664-31 B.C.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
Carved rectangular plaque with central recess, carved image of a nude female modelled in the half-round with a deeply striated bag wig, arms by her side; traces of red and black pigment on the body; mounted on a custom-made stand. 502 grams total, 17.1 cm including stand
From a central London collection, formed 1980-2000. From the private collection of Mr David Barker, London, UK; thence by descent.
The rectangular limestone plaque almost certainly represents a shrine. Such plaques first appeared in Lower Egypt and became widespread in the Late Period and Ptolemaic era. They may have developed from earlier female figurines depicted on beds and are usually associated with the female goddesses Isis and Hathor, both powerful protectors of women and childbirth and associated with fertility. -
Phoenician Green Jasper Scarab with Heads of Horus
6th-5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,860
Scarab with detailed anatomical features, ellipsoid plaque with incuse inset motif topped at each end by the head of Horus; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 4.4 grams, 20 mm
Ex private collection of Mrs J.H., London, UK, early 1990s. -
Large Egyptian Faience Amulet of Isis Nursing Baby Horus
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Amulet of Isis seated on an elaborate throne decorated with a crosshatch pattern, holding the infant Horus to her breast, supporting his head with her left hand; wearing a long close-fitting sheath dress and striated tripartite wig, surmounted by a crown in the form of her hieroglyphic name-sign, the "throne"; Horus wearing the sidelock of youth and holding his finger to his mouth; horizontal piercing just above the throne at the back for suspension. 20.16 grams, 65 mm
Ex Foxwell collection. Acquired from a London gallery. Ex Mr A.S. collection, 1990s.
In ancient Egyptian mythology, Isis was the sister-wife of Osiris and the mother of the sky god Horus. She is associated with aspects of fertility and motherhood and is often depicted in various artworks seated in a nursing pose with her son Horus on her lap.