Egyptian Mixed Faience Amulet Collection

Modelled in the round in striding pose with one arm resting along the body and the right hand raised to his mouth, wearing an elaborate side-lock of youth and Pschent crown fronted by uraeus; mounted on a display stand. 202 grams total, 12.8 cm including stand



with R.H. Blanchard's Egyptian Museum, Cairo, early 20th century. Private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by its original base, retaining the Blanchard label.

Harpocrates is the Greek equivalent of the Egyptian name Hor-pa-khered, which means 'Horus the Child'. This name refers to Horus as the divine infant of Isis and Osiris. Wearing an amulet of Harpocrates was believed to provide the same protection that Isis granted to her beloved son. Larger bronze statuettes, such as this, were probably votive offerings to Harpocrates, intended to secure his favour and protection.

Carved architectural block fragment comprising: a shallow niche with arched top and parallel sides, with concentric mouldings to create a reveal and ledge below to accept offerings; horizontal tiered base; attachment sockets for two figurines (absent) flanking the niche; to left, a column modelled in the half-round with two parallel vertical stems, shallow roundel to the base and stylised foliage at the top; pediment above with scooped profile; above each figurine recess an incised initial, 'A' and 'M'; facing surface keyed for plaster finish. 57.55 kg, 49 cm



From the estate and private collection of Matthew Upham (1962-2025), an antiques trader from Budleigh Salterton, Devon, UK. Acquired at an estate sale at auction. Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no. 13297-255939.

In the Christian Roman Empire, the stelae in the form of aedicula, which could be funerary monuments with crosses or the images of the deceased, or devotional niches with images of saints, appear to be independent sculptures. These stelae consisted of a rectangular body surmounted by a circular arch or trapezoidal structure. At the centre of the niche, the deceased was often depicted full-length, in a praying position (orans). Devotional stelae were also placed inside a church or shrine, with images of the Virgin and Child, or saints.

Rectangular openwork plaque with two blooming lotus flowers, one on each side, pierced twice for suspension. 1.77 grams, 14 mm



From an early 20th century UK collection. Accompanied by a previously illustrated catalogue card with provenance.