Loading, please wait...
LOT 0004
Egyptian Limestone Relief Fragment
OLD KINGDOM, 2686-2181 B.C.
19 7/8 in. (6.79 kg total, 50.5 cm high including stand).
Rectangular panel carved in sunk relief with vertical borders framing a portion of hieroglyphic inscription ...ḥry sštꜢ n..., '...keeper of secrets of...'.
ProvenanceReputedly acquired by a private collector in 1936.
Ex Ian Colverson Collection, UK (1940-2022).
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12196-222436.
Cf. Simpson, W.K., The Offering Chapel of Kayemnofret in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Boston, 1992, Figure B, for a complete false door.
FootnotesThe relief is most likely a fragment of a vertical inscription from a false door of an Old Kingdom tomb chapel. The complete inscription was probably an offering formula followed by a list of the tomb owner's titles. The 'keeper of secrets' is a priestly title indicating that one of his roles was as an embalmer.
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:
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.
-
Egyptian Silver Cat Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Modelled seated on a tongue-shaped base, with facial detailing and suspension loop to the back. 0.33 grams, 8 mm
From an early 20th century collection.
The cat was sacred to Bastet, a protective mother goddess and the daughter of the sun god Re. Amulets provided the wearer with the goddess's protection. -
Egyptian Wooden Head of an Ibis
Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, circa 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
Naturalistically carved ibis head from a composite statuette, with carefully detailed beak and eyes; traces of gesso and gilding remain; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 116 grams total, 18.5 cm wide
American private collection, New York, acquired in London before 2000.
The ibis was sacred to the god Thoth, who was revered for his association with knowledge, writing, and healing. The god also acted as the recorder of the final judgment, which determined whether the deceased had lived a life of virtue. Vast numbers of ibises were mummified in religious centres such as Saqqara and Tuna el-Gebel, where they were offerings to the god and interred in extensive catacombs. -
Egyptian Gold Uraeus Appliqué
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Sheet-gold repoussé mount with S-curved serpentine body, ovoid head; edges recurved. 0.87 grams, 21 mm
From an old UK collection, 1980s.
