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LOT 0548
Egyptian Mounted Coptic Orbiculus Textile Fragment
CIRCA 6TH CENTURY A.D.
7 1/4 in. (117 grams total, 18.5 cm).
Comprising a large circular fragment of an orbiculus in linen and wool, S torsion, scalloped borders, embroidered with vegetal and geometric ornaments, dark purple on linen. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Cf. Del Francia Barocas, L., Museo dell'Alto Medioevo, Roma, I materiali Copti, pp.148-149, for similar textiles.
FootnotesWater plant elements are scattered on the orbiculus, which is decorated with vegetal interlaces and possibly fish figures. These abstract decorations show a strong stylisation that gives the marine animals a plant-like appearance.
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LOT 0548
Egyptian Mounted Coptic Orbiculus Textile Fragment
Estimate £40 - 60€46 - 70 (for guidance only)$54 - 81 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Egyptian Coptic Tunics Textile Fragments of Orbiculus, Segmenta and Tablion with Animals and Geometric Decoration
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £70 - 90 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Comprising: a double decorative tunic stripe (clavus) in purple wool over coarse linen, S-twist tapestry, embroidered with stylised plants, from the cuff of a tunic; a large tablion, with floral ornamentation, borders decorated with meanders; a small orbiculus, with a flying putto and a horse; a large part of another clavus, ornamented with a succession of medallions filled with birds. 18 grams total, 6.9-19.5 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The fragments are decorative parts of tunics. These are fabrics of great decorative finesse, with some elements displaying an unusual and extremely well-preserved colour palette. The plant designs are related to the so-called Nilotic decorative pattern. The motif of the winged putto is common in Coptic textiles. -
Graeco-Egyptian Terracotta Head of a Lady
Hellenistic Period, circa 2nd century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Moulded in the half-round with fine facial detailing. 35.4 grams, 62 mm
Acquired 21st March 1965. From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s. Accompanied by an old handwritten information card by Peter Clayton, collection no.109. -
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Egyptian Horus Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
Perching Horus falcon with talons gripping the front edge of the integral plinth; detailed wings and head and a suspension loop on the back. 1.24 grams, 19 mm
Ex London gentleman's collection, by descent 1980s.
Horus is one of the most significant and widely worshipped gods in ancient Egyptian mythology. His importance spans many aspects of Egyptian religion, including serving as a symbol of the living king, offering protection, representing the sky, and symbolising the sun.
