Egyptian Gold Lotus Type Pendant

Modelled seated on an oblong base; accompanied by a custom-made display base. 1.27 grams, 13 mm high (6.02 grams total, 33 mm including stand)



Ex Mrs Zimmermann Koutoulakis, December 1977. Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, collection between 1950-1990s.

Finely carved, with naturalistic detailing to the upper body, legs shown folded beneath the body with suspension loop at centre. 6.8 grams, 24 mm



From an early 20th century Home Counties collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11846-207088.

The Egyptians saw the scarab as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. The beetle was associated with the sun god because scarabs roll large balls of dung in which to lay their eggs, a behavior that the Egyptians thought resembled the progression of the sun through the sky from east to west. Scarab amulets were used for their magical rejuvenating properties by both the living and the dead. The regenerative powers of scarabs such as the one offered here could be used by either the living or the dead for healing and protection. The striking red/orange colour of the carnelian stone used to produce this amulet strengthens its solar associations.

Comprising part of a tunic, formed of a medallion (orbiculus) and one segment (clavus), decorated with stylised semi-human figures (satyrs?) in bright green and yellow colours on a red background, alternating with foliage ornaments. 239 grams, 56 x 37 cm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.

Wool tapestry. These decorations can be associated to other textiles and numerous late Roman art objects adorned with picturesque scenes reproducing daily life in the countryside.