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LOT 0474
Egyptian Mounted Coptic Textile
CIRCA 5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
16 3/4 x 13 3/8 in. (152 grams, 42.5 x 34 cm).
Comprising a double band of purple wool over linen, the ornament consisting of a series of circles alternating with a star-shaped and rhomboid decoration. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Cf. Forrer, R., Die frühchristlichen Alterthümer aus dem Gräberfelde von Achmin-Panopolis, Strassburg, 1893, pl.XVIII, no.6, for similar.
FootnotesThe large segments can be classified as clavi, although they are not part of a tunic but more possibly borders of a curtain, or a funerary sheet. Mantles and funerary shrouds were usually decorated by wide bands along the lower border, imitating the ornaments of tunics with clavi and orbiculi.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Egyptian Mounted Coptic Textile
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising a large fragment of a vertical band (clavus) from a tunic, woven in yellow linen and purple wool, embroidered with two rows of interlaced polygonal patterns, edged by crenellated borders and a straight line, the two rows divided by a central linear double band. 85 grams, 32.5 x 27 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The wide geometric pattern suggests a dating of the item in the early years of the Arab conquest. -
Egyptian Zoomorphic Stone Scaraboid with Animal Heads and Hieroglyphs
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £156
Lentoid in plan with addorsed goat-heads to the upper face, hieroglyphic text to the underside. 6.38 grams, 37 mm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. -
Egyptian Green Jasper Heart Scarab
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
Finely carved, with naturalistic detailing to the upper body, legs shown folded beneath the body with suspension loop at centre. 6.8 grams, 24 mm
From an early 20th century Home Counties collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11846-207088.
The Egyptians saw the scarab as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. The beetle was associated with the sun god because scarabs roll large balls of dung in which to lay their eggs, a behavior that the Egyptians thought resembled the progression of the sun through the sky from east to west. Scarab amulets were used for their magical rejuvenating properties by both the living and the dead. The regenerative powers of scarabs such as the one offered here could be used by either the living or the dead for healing and protection. The striking red/orange colour of the carnelian stone used to produce this amulet strengthens its solar associations.
