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LOT 0407
Egyptian Mounted Coptic Textile
CIRCA 5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
14 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. (149 grams, 36.5 x 36.5 cm).
Composed of a medallion (orbiculus) decorated with geometric interlaced patterns on a purple background, framed by a minute recurring spiral, surrounded by an external circle. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Cf. Pritchard, F., Clothing Culture: Dress in Egypt in the First Millennium AD,, Manchester, 2006, pp.52ff, and fig.4.4 (c for the detail) for similar orbiculus.
FootnotesTapestry technique on natural linen. It is highly probable that this tapestry was part of a tunic decoration, an orbiculus, medallion in purple applied to the shoulders and the lower part of the garment, front and back.
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 Bifacial Faience Pectoral with Anubis
Late New Kingdom, 1290-1070 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
The obverse with a scene of Anubis recumbent on a pylon-shaped shrine with a standing sceptre in front; the reverse painted with a djed pillar flanked by two knots of Isis, remains of polychrome painted pigment; three piercings to both sides of the top; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 71 grams, 85 mm wide (223 grams total, 10.5 cm including stand)
Fine condition.
From an early 20th century collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11104-182800.
Pectorals worn by the living were made from metal, usually gold; for the dead, glazed composition was an acceptable substitute, indicating the funerary nature of such objects. Circular piercings have been made through the cavetto cornice, enabling the piece to be stitched to the bandages covering a mummy's chest. The shape of the pectoral imitates that of a pylon, the rectangular tower which flanked the gateway into an Egyptian temple. The cavetto cornice is decorated with a winged and gilded sun-disk. All four sides are adorned with a block pattern. A jackal reclining on a pylon-shaped shrine represents Anubis, god of embalming. He has a magical tie or scarf around his neck and is shown with a flagellum. Such imagery is found in New Kingdom tombs at Thebes. In front of the shrine is the sekhem sceptre of power. The reverse depicts a djed pillar, believed to represent the backbone with ribs of Osiris, god of the dead, flanked by the Girdle of Isis or 'tit' amulet. Both were standard funerary amulets. -
Egyptian Faience Isis with Horus Amulet
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
The goddess seated on a throne and wearing a vulture headdress with her hieroglyph above, the infant god Horus with Sidelock of Youth being nursed on her knee; turquoise glaze. 4.25 grams, 40 mm
Acquired in Europe before 1992.
In ancient Egyptian belief, the image of Isis suckling her son Horus was a potent symbol of rebirth. The goddess sits on the throne (which was the hieroglyphic form of her name). -
Egyptian Coptic Bone Cross
Circa 7th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Of equal-arm type, with reserved concentric panels to the obverse and central socket; pierced for suspension. 20.4 grams, 51 mm
Old UK collection, circa 2000. Ex DRG Coins and Antiquities, Essex, UK. Property of an East Sussex, UK, teacher. Accompanied by a DRG certificate of authenticity and provenance statement.
