Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0004
Egyptian Limestone Miniature Obelisk with Hieroglyphs
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
8 1/4 in. (444 grams total, 21 cm high).
With tapering sides and pointed top, incised vertical column of hieroglyphic text to one face: ẖry-ḥbt ḳbḥ ḥtp mr-mšꜥ imn, ''lector-priest' (give) purified offering (to the) general of the army (of) Amun'; mounted on a custom-made stand.
Provenance
Acquired in Egypt in the early 20th century.
Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK.
Literature
Cf. similar in the collection of the British Museum under accession no.EA495.
Footnotes
In ancient Egypt, it was common for small obelisks like this one to be placed on either side of the entrance to private tombs. Typically inscribed on one side only, these obelisks held great solar religious significance and were closely associated with the cult of the sun-god Re. They symbolised the ancient Egyptians' belief in the rebirth of the deceased, with the moment of revivification being characterised by the individual's face being illuminated by the rays of the rising sun. It was said that, at that moment, the deceased was able to "open their sight to see the sun-god," as one religious text explains.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0004
Egyptian Limestone Miniature Obelisk with Hieroglyphs
Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,460
RELATED LOTS
-
Very Large Egyptian Figure of Isis Seated on a Throne
26th Dynasty, 664-525 B.C.Estimate: £3,500 - 4,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,944
Depicting the goddess Isis seated on a throne, suckling her infant son Horus, of whom part of the lower torso and delicately modelled hands remain; wearing a throne-shaped crown on her head (the hieroglyphic sign for her name), a tripartite wig fronted by a now absent uraeus, a broad collar and a tight-fitting ankle-length skirt; a panel with lotus flowers to the back of the decorated throne. 98 grams, 13 cm high
Fine condition.
French collection, 1990s-early 2000s. Ex Brussels Art Fair, 1990s. From an important Paris gallery, France. Ex private Parisian collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no. 114471-194036. -
Egyptian Wooden Male Figure
Third Intermediate Period, circa 1070-730 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £598
Striding on a rectangular base, wearing a belted kilt, bag wig and with short beard; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 19 grams total, 11 cm high including stand
Part of an old collection dating back to the 19th century. Ex property of a gentleman, acquired before the 1980s. Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK. -
Very Large Egyptian Faience Quadruple Eye of Horus Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Olive-green glazed composition plaque with transverse piercing comprising four addorsed wedjat motifs with black detailing. 32.3 grams, 64 mm
From the private collection of Julian Bird, London, UK. Ex Den of Antiquity, Cambridgeshire, UK. Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK. Accompanied by a previous dealer's certificate of authenticity.
