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LOT 0031
Egyptian Limestone Relief
LATE-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-30 B.C.
8 3/4 in. (1.61 kg total, 22.2 cm including stand).
Relief fragment comprising: a sun disc with high-relief scarab motif to the centre; below this, a head in profile wearing a tiered wig with uraeus to the brow; mounted on a custom-made stand.
ProvenanceCollection of Mr C., Geneva, Switzerland (1936-2016), assembled between 1985 and 2010.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Alabaster Cosmetic Jar
New Kingdom, 13th-11th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Squat, globular vessel with a flat bottom and thick, carinated rim. 129 grams, 56 mm
From the private collection of a Canadian gentleman living in Essex, UK, formed since the 1920s-circa 1990. Property of an Essex lady until the late 1990s; thence by descent. From the private collection of an Essex gentleman since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Such vessels were used to hold cosmetics. The low shape and wide base prevented tipping when extracting the cosmetic with an applicator. -
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
With detailing to wings and eyes, loop for suspension above the head. 2 grams, 24 mm
Ex London, UK, gentleman 1980-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Considering that Egyptian artists often depicted fly whisks in the hands of pharaohs and high officials, one might assume that flies were merely a nuisance. However, the Egyptians held flies in high regard for their speed, quick reactions, and persistence. Small fly amulets first appeared in burials during the Naqada II Period, around 3200 B.C. These amulets gained popularity, and the materials used to make them varied during the New Kingdom. They were crafted from various materials such as gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. These amulets were believed to protect against insect bites and to ward off troublesome flying creatures through apotropaic magic. Some believe they may have even symbolised the fly’s fecundity. Additionally, pharaohs would bestow gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to honour the bravery and persistence of soldiers in battle. -
Egyptian Hardstone Scarab Group
Mainly Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Most with an incuse design to the underside including cartouche of Thutmose III, lion attacking a deer, hieroglyphic text and others. 11.5 grams total, 14-18 mm
Acquired on the European art market in the early 2000s. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
