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LOT 0468
Egyptian Silver Horus Serekh Amulet
LATE-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-30 B.C.
3/8 in. (0.71 grams, 10 mm).
An element from a necklace in the form of Horus in falcon form sitting atop the palace façade motif (serekh). [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. Aldred, C., Jewels of the Pharaohs: Egyptian Jewellery of the Dynastic Period, London, 1971, pp. 21, 173, fig. 1, for similar elements used on a First Dynasty bracelet; Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, p.61 fig. 66 l, for a faience example dated to the Ptolemaic Period.
FootnotesExamples of this distinctive motif can be traced back to the very beginning of Egyptian history. It represents the recessed niches of royal and religious architecture, and served as a device to contain the Horus name of the king. The most notable example of jewellery incorporating this motif is the elaborate bracelet found in the tomb of King Djer at Abydos, which is composed of alternating turquoise and gold falcon-topped serekhs. Similar examples of this element occur as late as the Ptolemaic Period.
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 Terracotta Ithyphallic Figurine of an Actor with Mask
Ptolemaic Period, 3rd-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
The actor represented wearing a grotesque mask, with his legs flanking his enormous phallus and genitals above. 116 grams, 13.6 cm
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.
From the 4th century B.C. onwards, small-scale sculptures developed a rich repertoire of grotesque types. These so-called grotesques were an enhancement of the Hellenistic interest in the human body and its weaknesses and imperfections by depicting disfigured individuals. According to some scholars, terracotta (and bronze) figurines of this kind were life-like representations of beggars and others who gathered at big feasts in temples or at the houses of the wealthy. In the latter case, they indicated the importance and wealth of the host because the more beggars an event attracted, the greater the fortune of the event organiser. By implication, the bronze and terracotta portraits of these marginal people could have become symbols and charms of good luck that would have been placed in private houses. This image in particular, has evolved from the ithyphallic Harpocrates terracottas. 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. -
Coptic Decorative Textile with Figures
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Linen and wool, Quadratic textile fragment with brown frame, several stylised human and zoomorphic figures as well as vegetal elements in front of a yellow background; another, smaller brown frame with green background and further figures, probably a segmentum from a tunic, fixed on linen, minor lacunae. 2.14 kg total, 65 x 47 cm
London art market, 2009. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Egyptian Faience Necklace with Pendant
New Kingdom, 1400-1100 B.C.Estimate: £700 - 900 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
Restrung group of tubular and fusiform faience beads with D-shaped pendant and two tiers of dangles beneath. 48 grams, 80 cm long
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
