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LOT 0476
Egyptian Silver Poppy Beads
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
5/8 in. (3.29 grams total, 16-17 mm).
Modelled in the shape of a poppy seed with a flat foot leading to a globular body with a tapering neck attached to a small loop at the top for suspension. [3]
ProvenanceFrom an early 20th century collection.
FootnotesAmulets in the form of poppies were used to heal and alleviate pain and to ward off death. These types of amulets were also linked to Osiris, the Egyptian deity of agriculture, death, and the afterlife.
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 Lapis Lazuli Amulet of a Djed Pillar
New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, circa 1550-1295 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £585
Carved as a square-section column with transverse ribs and a decorative finial, incised transverse lines to the body; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 4.84 grams, 49 mm (8.6 grams total, 64 mm including stand)
Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) collection, Geneva, Switzerland. Private collection, Europe.
The djed pillar signifies the concepts of 'enduring' and 'stability' and was a common funerary amulet from the Old Kingdom onwards. It was first associated with the gods Ptah and Sokar but later became a symbol of Osiris, representing the god's backbone. In this context, the djed pillar appears in Chapter 155 of the Book of the Dead, concerned with the deceased's resurrection. R. Liechti was a distinguished collector of Egyptian antiquities, known for his discerning eye and passion for ancient artefacts. Active during the mid-20th century, Liechti's collection featured a wide range of objects that showcased the rich cultural heritage of ancient Egypt, from intricately carved statuettes to rare amulets and jewellery. His dedication to preserving and studying these relics earned him a respected reputation among scholars and collectors alike. Many pieces from his collection have since found their way into prominent museum collections and auction houses, further solidifying his legacy in the world of antiquities. -
Phoenician Stone Bird-Shaped Weight
Late 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £351
Fashioned as a seated bird with partly outspread wings. 4.15 grams, 15 mm
From a London, UK, based collection, 1990s. -
Egyptian Faience Amulet and Bead Group
Mainly Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Comprising tubular and ring beads, wedjat-eye amulets, Bes amulets, scarabs, a Khnum amulet, a shabti, and others. 44 grams total, 3-47 mm
From the private collection of H. Norry, 1980s-1990s.
