Egyptian Miniature Turquoise Scarab

With incised anatomical detailing; pierced longitudinally, very rare. 0.09 grams, 5 mm



Acquired in the 1930s. From an early 20th century London, UK, collection.

Modelled mummiform with arms crossed at the chest, holding crook and flail with highlighted features, wearing a plaited false beard and Atef crown mounted on two curved ram's horns, flanked by detailed ostrich feathers and frontal uraeus; natural facial detailing with silver inlaid eyes and large protruding ears; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 1.15 kg total, 31 cm high including stand



Norman Blankman collection, New York, 1960s. P.G. collection, New York, USA. with Art for Eternity, New York. with Bonhams, London, 6 July 2023, lot 360. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11945-210564.

Osiris was the foremost of ancient Egyptian funerary deities and lord of the underworld. Many statuettes of the god were offered in temples dedicated in his name, and have also been discovered in other contexts including animal necropoleis and temples dedicated to other gods.

Composed of polychrome composition beads of mainly annular and tubular types. 29.3 grams, 75 cm long



Acquired before 1979. From the private collection of Mr F. A., South Kensington, London, UK; thence by descent 2014.