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LOT 0516
Egyptian Limestone 'Floral' Inlay Group
ROMAN PERIOD, 30 B.C.-323 A.D. OR EARLIER
1/2 - 5/8 in. (33 grams total, 13-18 mm).
Group of discoid inlay plaques or gaming counters, crinoids with cinquefoil motif. [20, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a central London ADA dealership, 1980-1990.
FootnotesFlowers were symbolic of rebirth due to the daily reopening of their petals after nightfall. As a result, they were widely used in domestic settings, religious and funerary contexts, and as adornments. Similar rosette discs, like those recovered from the Ramesside Period palace at Qantir, were used as decorative elements in royal palaces.
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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Egyptian Lapis Lazuli Son of Horus Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
Carved amulet of the baboon-headed mummiform figure of Hapy shown standing with dorsal pillar, pierced for suspension. 2.52 grams, 28 mm
Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent.
The Four Sons of Horus were deities responsible for protecting the internal organs of the deceased. The baboon-headed Hapy protected the lungs. -
Egyptian Faience Figure of Nefertum
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Estimate: £700 - 900 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
Turquoise faience standing figure of Nefertum in a striding pose with arms at the sides, sporting a black coloured tripartite wig surmounted by the god's distinctive headdress consisting of a lotus flower with two plumes on top; a suspension loop at the back; repaired. 71 grams total, 13 cm including stand
Property from an American deceased estate, acquired between 1970 and 1989. with Bonham's, London, 28 October 2009, no.81 [Part].
Nefertum was closely associated with the creator god Ptah and the goddesses Sekhmet and Bastet. He represented the first sunlight and the sweet scent of the Egyptian blue lotus flower (nymphaea caerulea). According to beliefs, the sun rose from the bloom of a blue lotus, embodying notions of rebirth and rejuvenation. Additionally, as the lotus was seen as a symbol of fertility, it is possible that this amulet was also worn for that purpose. -
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Egyptian Gold Lotus Type Pendant
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
With palmette motif and filigree hoop. 0.15 grams, 8 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
Flora-form amulets are thought to symbolise new life, like the growing plants they copied. Many gold palmette elements were found in the New Kingdom tomb of Aper-el at Saqqara, featuring pierced holes rather than a hoop for attachment (Cf. Zivie, A., Découverte à Saqqarah: Le vizir oublié, Paris, 1990, p.149 no.94 for examples).
