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LOT 0001
Egyptian Predynastic Basalt Vase
NAQADA I-II, CIRCA 3900-3300 B.C.
3 3/8 in. (330 grams, 86 mm).
Barrel-shaped in profile with tapering neck and trumpet-shaped foot, two lateral pierced lug handles, flared rim (damaged).
ProvenanceFrench private collection.
From the 'Yvelines Department', Northern France.
with Mme Digard, Drouot, Paris, 7 February 2011, no.107.
Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12072-218133.
Cf. Aston, B.G., Ancient Egyptian Stone Vessels: Materials and Forms, SAGA 5, Heidelberg, 1994, p.95, no. 13, for type.
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 Necklace with Fly Beads
New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, 1550-1350 B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
Group of restrung annular turquoise beads with gilt-metal interstitial collars and carnelian fly amulets; S-hook and eye closure; with custom display box. 10.45 grams, 48.5 cm long
Ex Swiss collection, kept in London since the 1980s. Accompanied by a copy of a previous illustrated catalogue page.
Since 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 first appeared in burials during the Naqada II Period, c. 3200 B.C. These amulets grew in popularity, and the materials used to make them expanded during the New Kingdom, including gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. Fly amulets were believed to protect against insect bites and to ward off troublesome airborne creatures through apotropaic magic. Some believe they may have even been intended to symbolise the fly’s fecundity. Additionally, pharaohs would bestow gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to honour the bravery and fly-like persistence of soldiers in battle. -
Egyptian Alabaster Bowl
1st Dynasty, circa 3000 B.C.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £750
Of conical profile with flattened base, carinated shoulder and stepped rounded rim, possibly for accepting a lid. 380 grams, 11.6 cm wide
Property from an American deceased estate, acquired between 19770-1989. with Bonhams, London, 28 October 2009, no.16 (Part). Private European collection. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12071-215259. -
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
D-shaped in section with two triangular wings and robbed body with pellet eyes. 1.07 grams, 16 mm
From an early 20th century collection.
Small fly amulets first appeared in burials during the Naqada II Period, c. 3200 B.C. These amulets grew in popularity and the materials used to make them expanded during the New Kingdom. They are crafted from a variety of materials such as gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. These amulets were thought to protect against insect bites and to ward off troublesome flying creatures through apotropaic magic. Some believe they may have even been intended to symbolise the fly’s fecundity. Additionally, pharaohs would bestow gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to honour the bravery and fly-like persistence of soldiers in battle.
