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LOT 0451
Egyptian Steatite Bifacial Scaraboid Seal
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
3/4 in. (1.92 grams, 18 mm).
An oval plaque pierced longitudinally, one side with a reclining lion, the other with hieroglyphs. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
LiteratureCf. Hall, H.R., Catalogue of Egyptian Scarabs, Etc., in the British Museum I, Royal Scarabs, London, 1913, p. 98, nos. 1004-1005, for scarabs with similar sphinx and cartouche arrangements.
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 Faience Eye of Horus in Gold Pendant
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £124
Comprising a turquoise-glazed wedjat amulet set in a 14-carat gold pendant mount. 1.09 grams, 14 mm
Ex important German collection, 1960-1990.
The wedjat-eye amulet (also called the Eye of Horus) became one of the most recognisable symbols in ancient Egyptian culture. It signifies protection, healing, and restoration. In myth, Horus lost his eye during his battle with Seth, and it was later magically restored, symbolising healing and the return to wholeness. The Eye of Horus came to embody divine power and protection, and was often used in amulets to safeguard and promote well-being. -
Egyptian 'Becker' Serpentine Vessel
New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, circa 1450 B.C.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
Piriform jar with wide, flat rim and short neck, narrow neck and flat base. 1.2 kg, 15.5 cm
Ex Becker collection, 1920s. Private collection, Los Angeles, USA, 1990s. Private European collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12576-232111.
Three forms of serpentine were mainly used by the ancient Egyptians for stone vessels: a) green or grey serpentine with black veins; b) translucent green serpentine with black patches; c) granular black serpentine with intermixed grey or brown granules. Type a) serpentine, i.e. the green or grey one with black veins, has the longer time range, and was used for vessels from the Predynastic Period (Naqada II) through the New Kingdom. It was used for stone vessels, but also became common for statuettes and small toilet vessels. The class of green glazed kohl pots, many with carved or openwork decoration which are usually called ‘glazed steatite’ were more likely to be made of serpentine. The type here represented is a form known in the New Kingdom: a bag-shaped jar with neck, flat base, and wide thin rim. Similar vessels have been found in Thebes, Amarna, Kahun, among other localities. -
Egyptian Faience Amuletic Bes Plaque
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Current Winning Bid: £750
Oval plaque with ribbed outer edge, central depiction of the typically grimacing face of Bes wearing a feathered headdress. 23.8 grams, 52 mm
From an early 20th century collection.
From the New Kingdom onward, Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities. Despite his somewhat fearsome appearance, Bes served as the patron and protector of pregnant women and children and was also believed to shield them from snakes.