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LOT 0034
Egyptian Rock Crystal Dummy Vessel
OLD KINGDOM, 5TH-6TH DYNASTY, CIRCA 2500-2200 B.C.
2 3/8 in. (55 grams, 59 mm).
Model amphora with a piriform body, a long, flaring, trumpet-like neck and rim, and a shallow depression at the top.
Provenancewith Archaeologia, Switzerland, before 1983.
Ex private North American collection.
London private collection, 2016.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.13231-249997.
Cf. Aston, B.G., Ancient Egyptian Stone Vessels: Materials and Forms, SAGA 5, Heidelberg, 1994, 140, no. 137, for examples of the form; Seipel, W., Ägypten. Götter, Gräber und die Kunst – 4000 Jahre Jenseitsglaube, Linz, 1989, p. 72, no. 41a-f, for an assembled set of dummy vessels associated with the Opening of the Mouth ritual, including an almost identically shaped amphora.
FootnotesThis was one of the model vessels in a set associated with the 'Opening of the Mouth' ritual, which revived the deceased.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0034
Egyptian Rock Crystal Dummy Vessel
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£1,000 (EUR 1,160; USD 1,350) +BP*
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Large Egyptian Coptic Tunic Textile Fragment with Lateral Clavi and Central Orbiculus Representing Figures and Animals
Circa 6th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Larger portion of a tunic with decorative strips (clavi) ending with circular decorations (orbiculi), and central orbiculus in red, green and yellow wool, S-twist tapestry, decorated with Nilotic scenes including plants, animals, possibly human figures. 59 grams total including paper folder, 32.5 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
Among the many fragments of wool tunics, there are several long strips that match to form nearly full-length central pectoral clavi and orbiculi. They are patterned with a profusion of small figures or interlaced abstract designs, birds, plants and animals, with a contrasting border filled with geometric motifs. -
Egyptian Faience Amuletic Imsety Son of Horus Plaque
Late Period, circa 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Rectangular green-glazed plaque with standing figure of Imsety in profile, with black pigment to the wig; pierced to the top and bottom; accompanied with a handwritten note reading 'Ancient Egyptian. Fayence pectoral amulet- impressive figure of Imseti, one of the four sons of Horus'. 5.98 grams, 49 mm
From the collection of David Donlan (1947-2025), a dedicated and lifelong collector with a passion for the ancient world and the natural sciences, forming his collection from 1960s onwards, using many reputable dealers across the United Kingdom, including the well-regarded Coincraft and The Parthenon Gallery. Accompanied by an old handwritten information ticket.
The Four Sons of Horus safeguarded the deceased's internal organs. The human-headed Imsety protected the liver, the baboon-headed Hapy the lungs, the jackal-headed Duamutef the stomach, and the falcon-headed Qebehsenuef the intestines. Plaques, such as this one, were sewn onto the mummy's wrappings or visceral packages. -
Egyptian Mounted Coptic Orbiculus Textile Fragment
Circa 6th century A.D.Estimate: £40 - 60 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
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. 117 grams total, 18.5 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
Water 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.
