Egyptian Hardstone Double Plume Amulet

Blue faience cylindrical offering cup, gently tapering form with slightly flared foot and rim, a black painted rectangular frame containing a hieroglyphic inscription including cartouches containing the throne and birth names of Ramesses II and the dedication: skr-wsı͗r mry nb tꜢwy (wsr-mꜢꜤt-re stp-n-re) nb ḫꜤw (ı͗mn mry re-mssw), ‘Beloved of Sokar-Osiris, lord of the Two Lands (The justice of Re is powerful, Chosen of Re), lord of appearances (Beloved of Amun, Ramesses)’. 29.94 grams, 46 mm



Francesc Cambó i Batlle (1876-1947) a prominent Spanish politician, art patron and philanthropist. Gifted to his friend, the archaeologist Josep Gilbert i Buch. Acquired from Gilbert's family by the present owner's grandfather in the early 1980s. Private collection of a European noble.

Francesco Cambó i Batlle was a notable figure in early 20th century Spain, best known for his role in politics as a leader of the Catalan nationalist movement and as a patron of the arts. He was a key benefactor of the Museo del Prado and left a significant legacy through his art collections. His deep connection to the cultural and artistic life of Spain makes items from his collection particularly valuable and historically significant.

With slim loop and cartouche-shaped bezel inscribed with hieroglyphs ı͗mn-sꜢ-nb.s, 'Amun lord (of) her protection'. 4.30 grams, 21.48 mm overall, 14.60 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G, USA 3 1/4, Europe 4.92, Japan 4)



From an early 20th century collection.

Modelled in the round squatting on an ellipsoid base, lug to the underside, repaired. 114 grams, 60 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

The ibis, particularly the sacred species known as the Egyptian ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), held a prominent place in ancient Egyptian religion and culture as a manifestation of the god Thoth. Revered as the deity of wisdom, writing, and knowledge, Thoth was often depicted in human form with the head of an ibis. During the Late Period onwards, the practice of mummifying ibises became widespread, leading to the creation of vast necropolises dedicated to these sacred birds. In places like Saqqara and Hermopolis, thousands of ibis mummies have been discovered in specially constructed catacombs. The mummification of these birds was not merely a ritual act; it was seen as a sacred offering to Thoth, meant to honour the god and seek his favour. Egyptians believed that by preserving the ibis through mummification, they could ensure its safe passage to the afterlife, establishing a direct connection between the earthly realm and the divine. These mummies were often accompanied by votive offerings, like this bronze figurine, further emphasising the relationship between the ibises and Thoth.