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LOT 0462
Egyptian Hardstone Scarab
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 in. (10.1 grams, 27 mm).
With detailed clypeus and head, raised ridge separating the wing case, resting on an oval base with plain underside.
ProvenanceFrom the property of a London, UK, gentleman, 1970-2000s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The scarab, which represented the dung beetle, was the most popular amulet in ancient Egypt for approximately two thousand years until the Ptolemaic Period when it gradually fell out of favour. The popularity of scarabs extended beyond the borders of Egypt, and they were also distributed and produced in other regions, such as Phoenicia and Israel. The beetle is named khepri, derived from the verb 'to come into existence', and was considered the embodiment of the creator god Khepri, who was self-engendered. The ancient Egyptians mistakenly believed that the young beetle emerging from the dung ball was the result of an act of self-creation.
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:
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Phoenician Alabastron with Handles
6th-5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,053
Comprising a slender alabaster piriform body and two lateral lug handles, conical neck with broad everted rim. 650 grams, 19.7 cm high
Giusfredi collection, 1980s. Swiss private collection, acquired May 1999. 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.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
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, a major deity associated with creation, kingship, and hidden power. Wearing an amulet bearing Amun’s 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. -
Egyptian Bone Hairpin with Thoth as a Baboon
New Kingdom, 1569-1081 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £624
Tapering round-section hairpin, with a finial fashioned as a seated baboon with its tail resting along the body. 5.4 grams, 89 mm
Ex Thomas collection, UK, 1980s-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Decorative hairpins often feature animals such as monkeys and cats, and inanimate objects such as olives.
