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LOT 0531
Egyptian Heart Scarab Group
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
3/4 in. (7.5 grams total, 18-20 mm).
Comprising two scarabs with striated wing cases and ribbed underside. [2]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Ben-Tor, D., The Scarab: A Reflection of Ancient Egypt, Tel Aviv, 1993, pp. 76-77, for similar examples.
FootnotesThe scarab amulet was a powerful symbol of rebirth, transformation, and protection in ancient Egypt. Modelled after the beetle linked to the sun god Khepri, it represented the cycle of life and regeneration. Used from the Middle Kingdom (c. 2050 BCE) onwards, scarabs served as funerary amulets, personal charms, and seals—often inscribed with prayers or names—reflecting both spiritual beliefs and daily life.
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
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LOT 0531
Egyptian Heart Scarab Group
Estimate £140 - 180€160 - 210 (for guidance only)$190 - 240 (for guidance only)
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Egyptian Steatite Bifacial Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
A double-sided rectangular amulet; one side features a central cartouche with the hieroglyphic name of the god “Amun” and a neb sign, flanked by two Maat feathers, all framed by a hatched border at the top and bottom; the other side depicts the reclining ram of Amun-Re with the seated figure of Maat in front, and the word "Amun" in hieroglyphs above the ram; drilled for suspension. 2.26 grams, 18 mm
Ex Constable collection, 1990s. Ex P. Morris collection.
An amulet with a similar overall design was discovered in a Ramesside-period tomb at Tell el-Retaba, an important production centre involved in trade with Syria-Palestine and protected by a fortress (Petrie, W.M.F., Duncan, J.G., Hyksos and Israelite Cities, London, 1906, pl. XXXIV, Tomb 8). -
Egyptian Faience Group of Amulets
New Kingdom-Ptolemaic Period, 1550-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Comprising of blue-glazed composite amulets including lotus flower; crescentic bead; bird amulet with minor chips to the body; four scarabs with longitudinal piercing and carvings to the underside; a plain green stone rectangular plaque with ribbed suspension bar to the top. 6.17 grams total, 10-24 mm
From the Walter Thomas Gaze Cooper (1895-1980) collection; thence by descent. -
Egyptian Faience Lotus Flower Amulet
18th Dynasty, Amarna Period, 1353-1336 B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
A blue glazed composition pendant in the form of a lotus, with some repair to the suspension loop. 0.26 grams, 14 mm
Repaired.
Ex early 20th century London collection.
