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LOT 0453
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
5/8 in. (1.13 grams, 16 mm).
Pendant formed as a fly with domed eyes.
ProvenanceFrom an early 20th century collection.
FootnotesConsidering 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.
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 Fabric Panel Group
Coptic, 4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Comprising: square panel with border of repeated motif of an amphora and vine issuing from the top, guilloche, radiating foliage; similar with guilloche enclosing repeating ring motifs, knotwork band and central radiating fleur-de-lys motifs; similar with concentric bands of roundels and central floret; each mounted on a wooden-framed fabric backing. 1.08 kg total, 25.3 x 25.5 cm each
Acquired from Esther Fitzgerald Rare Textiles, London, UK. Property of a North American gallery. -
Egyptian Carved Stone Scarab
1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
With textured carapace and detailed head and legs; underside blank. 159 grams, 63 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. -
Egyptian Faience Phallic Figural Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Figurine of a naked male seated on a rectangular base, his phallus extended forward on which the harp he is playing rests; sold with a later white-glazed heart with blue finial, possibly after the antique. 24.5 grams total, 18-44 mm
From the collection of Doctor Girard, a collector for over 60 years. with Hotel des Ventes de Clermont-Ferrand, 22 May 2017. Property of a French collector.
