Egyptian Green Glazed Faience Amulet of a Seated Sphinx

On a rectangular base, Sobek standing in crocodile form with human arms resting on an ankh symbol. 9.82 grams, 54 mm



Private collection, 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.

Modelled body of a beetle with detailed carapace and legs; underside with two crocodiles enclosing a central sun disc flanked by two papyrus clumps atop neb signs. 19.8 grams, 38 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The design could be interpreted as ‘Sobek-Ra, lord of the Delta’. Sobek was mainly associated with water, fertility, and the Nile, as well as strength and military prowess. His worship spans much of ancient Egyptian history, from at least the Old Kingdom to the Roman period, and he was honoured not only as a force of nature but also as a god of healing, protection, and royal authority. He was associated with various other deities, most often with the sun god in the form of Sobek-Ra. His primary cult centres were situated in the Faiyum region, especially in the city of Crocodilopolis, and also at Kom Ombo in Upper Egypt.

Globular body with short socket and thickened rim; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 457 grams total, mace: 60 mm high



Ex Norman Fargo collection. with Olympia Auctions, 26 June 2024, no.119. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Norman Fargo was born in Los Angeles, California in 1945, the son of Hungarian immigrant Frank and his wife, Rose. His lifelong passion for collecting began at the age of six with a simple interest in rocks. By the 1960s, Norman had become a dedicated student of antique arms and armour, developing a deep appreciation for both craftsmanship and historical context. He began collecting at a time when many items now considered rare were still relatively accessible. A friendship with renowned collector Howard Curtis—whose important collection was partially sold at Christie’s, London in 1984—opened doors to early and exceptional material. Norman also acquired outstanding pieces from respected figures such as Frank Bivens and others known today through museum and auction catalogue provenance. Alongside his core collection of arms and armour (c.1450-1700), Norman developed an eye for period furniture and accessories. He also built a growing collection of Pre-Columbian art with an emphasis on Southern Mexican cultures, particularly Veracruz, as well as fine examples of Japanese Satsuma ware and cloisonné.