Loading, please wait...
LOT 0424
Egyptian Glass Eye Inlay Pair
PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 332-30 B.C.
1 - 1 1/8 in. (4.12 grams total, 27-29 mm).
The sclera white and the iris black. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market, 1977-1979.
Private collection, London.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Egyptian coffin eye inlays were both decorative and symbolic, intended to make the coffin appear lifelike and assist the deceased in the afterlife. Typically, they featured a white sclera (glass, travertine, alabaster or quartz), a dark iris (glass or often obsidian), and sometimes red paint at the inner corner. The eyes were often set in bronze or copper frames, occasionally with faience or bronze eyebrows.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Egyptian Faience Anubis Amulet
664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
With rectangular base and dorsal pillar pierced at the shoulders, Anubis in human form with short klt, jackal's head with large ears. 4.92 grams, 46 mm
Collection of an amateur, Carouge, Switzerland, assembled in the 1980s-1990s. Thence by descent to the collection of Mr S.P., since 2020. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Egyptian Blue Amulet of Amun
Late Period, 26th Dynasty, circa 664-525 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
The god modelled seated on a throne with a dorsal pillar, hands resting on his knees, wearing a short kilt and a two-plume feather crown; mounted on a wooden stand. 15.75 grams total, 71 mm including stand
with Charles Ede Ltd, London, UK. Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above on 12 July 1994. Accompanied by a copy of the Charles Ede invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12632-235078. 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.
The amulet of the god Amun served both religious and protective purposes in ancient Egypt. Amun was a major deity associated with creation, kingship, and hidden power. Wearing an amulet bearing his image or name was believed to invoke his divine protection, grant strength, and confer favour or legitimacy. Such amulets were also placed among burial goods to ensure the deceased was protected and guided in the afterlife. -
.jpg)
Egyptian Faience Duck Amulet
Third Intermediate-Late Period, 750-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
Modelled in the round, the head placed resting along the spine, loop formed by the neck; underside with hieroglyphic text. 1.18 grams, 15 mm
Old private French collection. Anonymous sale, Beaussant Lefevre, Paris, 2015. Private European collection, acquired in 2015. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
