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LOT 0418
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
LATE-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-30 B.C.
3/4 in. (1.28 grams, 20 mm).
With linear detailing to wings, raised eyes, suspension loop above the head. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an early 20th century collection.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, pp.62-3.
FootnotesSmall 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.
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 Limestone Relief Fishing Scene
Saite Period, 664-525 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13,000
Irregular fragment of a low-relief frieze showing the hips and legs of two standing figures: left, torso with short kilt gathered at the waist and portions of legs below, body of a fish behind with long dorsal and ventral fins, small tail; right, torso of a figure similarly clad with right forearm and hand gripping a fishing line and upper portion of a fish attached; applied red-maroon pigment to skin areas; mounted in an old stand. 675 grams, 23 cm wide including stand
Private collection, Europe. with Sotheby's, London, July 1991, no.162. Acquired by the current owner from the above. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Sotheby's 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.12585-232180. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The crisp and detailed carving and colour palette are reminiscent of reliefs from the grand Theban tomb of Montuemhat, Mayor and Fourth Priest of Amun (circa 700-650 B.C.). -
Romano-Egyptian Terracotta Figurine of a Slave with Enormous Phallus
3rd century B.C.-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Modelled in the round hollow-formed figure of a crouching male gripping his exaggerated phallus and looking over his right shoulder; mounted on a custom-made stand. 284 grams total, 11.6 cm wide including stand
The Erotica Collection Christian von Faber-Castell, Küsnacgt ZH, Switzerland, since the late 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Christian von Faber-Castell (born 1950) is a renowned German entrepreneur and art collector, best known as a member of the prominent Faber-Castell family, famed for their iconic writing instruments. A passionate advocate for art and culture, Christian von Faber-Castell curated an extensive and diverse private collection of erotica, spanning centuries and cultures. His collection reflects a deep appreciation for the interplay of beauty, sensuality, and artistic expression, bringing together rare and unique works that explore themes of intimacy and human connection. Pieces from this collection have been featured in notable exhibitions and are celebrated for their artistic and historical significance. This offering represents a rare opportunity to acquire works from one of the most fascinating and eclectic private collections of its kind. -
Egyptian Flint Tool Collection
Pre-Dynastic Period, circa 4th millennium B.C. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Including piriform scraper tool, single-edged knife with old label 'Gull's wing blade, Egypt', curved blade with old label 'Comma-shaped knife, Egypt', sickle blade and other items with accompanying collector's record card on reverse of a printed invitation to a garden party at Carisbrooke 4th July 1940. 165 grams total, 6.2-13.5 mm
From the private collection of Sydney Horne, 1920s-1940s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
