Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0481

Egyptian Mixed Scarab and Scaraboid Collection

2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.

1/2 - 7/8 in. (13 grams total, 11-23 mm).

Comprising (from left to right, top to bottom): 1) a scarab with an oval border containing a goose, nefer(?), and a reed leaf; 2) a scarab with an oval border featuring a triple lotus flower motif at the top and bottom, with a middle row of floral bundles; 3) a scaraboid with a long oval border containing a cross pattern incorporating scrolls, coiled cords, and floral elements; 4) a scarab with an oval border featuring a hes-jar flanked by two cobras; 5) a scarab with a standing male figure holding a sceptre/mace and a flail, flanked by two highly stylised rearing cobras; 6) a plain scarab; 7) and a scarab with an oval border containing the name Amun-Re, a neb symbol, and a lotus flower. [7]

Provenance

From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Literature

Cf. 1) Matouk, F.S., Corpus du scarabée égyptien. Vol. 2: Analyse thématique, Beirut, 1976, p. 393, nos. 1029-1032, for examples of scarab motifs incorporating a goose, reed leaf, and other symbols; 2) Ben-Tor, D., Scarabs, Chronology, and Interconnections: Egypt and Palestine in the Second Intermediate Period, Fribourg/Göttingen, 2007, pl. 32, no.2, for a similar example, but with two central rows of floral bundles; 3) Ben-Tor, D., Scarabs, Chronology, and Interconnections: Egypt and Palestine in the Second Intermediate Period, Fribourg/Göttingen, 2007, pl. 68, no. 10, for a comparable design of a Caananite scarab; 4) Matouk, F.S., Corpus du scarabée égyptien. Vol. 2: Analyse thématique, Beirut, 1976, p. 395, no.1152, for a scarab with a horizontal arrangement of the same motif; 5) Matouk, F.S., Corpus du scarabée égyptien. Vol. 2: Analyse thématique, Beirut, 1976, p. 402, no. 1662, for a similarly-themed scarab; 7) Ben-Tor, D., The Scarab: A Reflection of Ancient Egypt, Tel Aviv, 1993, p.73, no.1, for similar.

CONDITION

VETTING:

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 0481

Egyptian Mixed Scarab and Scaraboid Collection

Estimate £500 - 700€580 - 810 (for guidance only)$680 - 950 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Egyptian Wooden Funerary Shabti Figurine
    Egyptian Wooden Funerary Shabti Figurine
    New Kingdom, circa 1570-1070 B.C.

    Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (‡+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £600

    Carved in the round as a mummiform figure, with a carefully modelled tripartite wig, a rounded face, large eyes, and a subtly simpering expression. 39 grams, 14.5 cm



    Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, formed between 1950-1990s. with Liechti stock number 'E.825' to base. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12079-218221. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    A shabti (also known as ushabti or shawabti) is a small funerary figurine found in ancient Egyptian tombs, from around 2000 BCE to 30 BCE. Its main purpose was to act as a servant for the deceased in the afterlife, carrying out manual tasks like farming or irrigation as directed by the gods. Shabtis were frequently inscribed with a magical formula from the Book of the Dead to ensure they would animate when summoned.

    Lot Details

  • Egyptian Diorite Stone Scarab
    Egyptian Diorite Stone Scarab
    Saite Period, 664-525 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £156

    Carved in the round with detailed carapace and legs; not pierced. 8.22 grams, 21 mm



    Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, 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.

    The scarab amulet was arguably the most ubiquitous symbol in ancient Egypt, representing rebirth, transformation, and protection. Modelled after the scarab beetle, which was associated with the sun god Khepri, believed to roll the sun across the sky, the amulet illustrated the cycle of life and regeneration. Scarabs were commonly placed with the deceased as funerary amulets to ensure safe passage into the afterlife. They also served as seals and personal charms, often inscribed with prayers, names, or protective formulas. Widely used from the early Middle Kingdom (c. 2050 BCE) onwards, scarab amulets reflect spiritual beliefs and everyday practices in ancient Egyptian life.

    Lot Details

  • Egyptian Mixed Scarab Collection
    Egyptian Mixed Scarab Collection
    Mostly Late Period, 664-332 B.C.

    Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £250

    Comprising: three faience scarabs with detailed bodies and hieroglyphs on the underside; one carnelian scarab with plain base; one scaraboid with hieroglyphs to the underside. 22.75 grams total, 15-28 mm



    From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list