Egyptian Haematite Heart Amulet

Composed of overpainted white sclerae with obsidian irises, set into contoured blue glass lids with extending cosmetic lines; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 44.35 grams total including stand, 56 mm each



Property of a North American gentleman, London, UK, 1990-2010. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13254-252260.

The eyes would have been applied to a mummy case. They were carefully bevelled and ground to fit the original mummy case. They could also have been used for the mummy masks.

Carved in a typical pose, sitting on its haunches with its tail curving around the right side, its front paws resting on its knees and protruding beneath its thick furry pelt, with incised detailing, its feet either side of the phallus, the head with bulbous, striated hair on either side, chipped, snout restored; seated on a high shrine-shaped plinth with squared front and rounded back, featuring a cavetto cornice and roll detailing on the upper part. 1.15 kg, 15 cm



From a deceased American estate, 1970-1989. with Bonhams, London, 28 October 2009, no.35. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12368-226706.

The baboon was an animal manifestation of the god Thoth, the patron deity of Hermopolis Magna, who was revered for his association with knowledge, writing, and healing.

Miniature bowl with raised rim and disc base. 28.8 grams, 33 mm



Collection of Julien Bessonneau (1842–1916), France, thence by descent. Jean-Pierre Léveilley, Angers, acquired from the beneficiaries of the above collection in the 1970s–1980s.