Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0457

Egyptian Multi-Stranded Faience Mummy Bead Necklace

LATE PERIOD, 664-525 B.C.

28 3/8 in. (31 grams, 72 cm long).

Composed of polychrome beads of mainly tubular and annular types; modern clasp. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Acquired before 1979.
From the private collection of Mr F. A., South Kensington, London, UK; thence by descent 2014.

Literature

Cf. similar specimens in faience at the Worchester Art Museum, inventory no.1925.539.

Footnotes

For thousands of years, artisans in Egypt created vibrant ceramics to echo the beauty of rare jewels. These ornaments were created with almost every material, colour and texture imaginable and they come from across Egypt and beyond: vibrant blue lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, glossy black obsidian from Turkey, and aqua-green turquoise from the Sinai. They were worn in life and, after death, they served as precious ornamentation for mummies.

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 0457

Egyptian Multi-Stranded Faience Mummy Bead Necklace

Sold for (Inc. bp): £124

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Egyptian Blue Glazed Hieroglyphic Shabti Fragment
    Egyptian Blue Glazed Hieroglyphic Shabti Fragment
    Saite Period, 26th Dynasty, 664-525 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,820

    Pale blue composition with detailed texture to the headcloth, pick and hoe held at the shoulders with cord supporting the seed bag over the shoulder; the lower body with two bands of crisp hieroglyphic text remaining. 96 grams, 90 mm



    Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995. with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1, UK, 1998-2003. Property of a London based academic, 2003-present.

    Although the individual's name is lost, his titles: 'member of the elite' and 'mayor/prince/governor', indicate his high status.

    Lot Details

  • Egyptian Multi-Stranded Faience Mummy Bead Necklace
    Egyptian Multi-Stranded Faience Mummy Bead Necklace
    Late Period, 664-525 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £124

    Composed of polychrome beads of mainly tubular and annular types; modern clasp. 31 grams, 72 cm long



    Acquired before 1979. From the private collection of Mr F. A., South Kensington, London, UK; thence by descent 2014.

    For thousands of years, artisans in Egypt created vibrant ceramics to echo the beauty of rare jewels. These ornaments were created with almost every material, colour and texture imaginable and they come from across Egypt and beyond: vibrant blue lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, glossy black obsidian from Turkey, and aqua-green turquoise from the Sinai. They were worn in life and, after death, they served as precious ornamentation for mummies.

    Lot Details

  • Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
    Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
    Late Period, 664-332 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £338

    Pendant formed as a fly with domed eyes. 1.13 grams, 16 mm



    From an early 20th century collection.

    Considering Egyptian artists often depicted fly whisks in the hands of pharaohs and high officials, one might assume that flies were simply a nuisance. However, the Egyptians held flies in high regard due to their quick speed, reactions, and persistence. Small fly amulets were made from various materials, including gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. They were believed to protect against insect bites and ward off flying creatures through apotropaic magic. Additionally, the pharaoh would give gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to recognise the bravery and persistence of soldiers in battle.

    Lot Details

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