Egyptian Steatite Bifacial Scaraboid Seal

Lentil-shaped with segmented collars and blue detailing around the shoulders, neck with papyrus stalk detailing and domed rim; addorsed baboon flanking the neck. 263 grams, 16 cm



Acquired on the UK art market, 1990s. Private collection, New York, USA.

In ancient Egypt, baboons were sacred, representing wisdom, the moon, and the underworld, linked to gods like Thoth and Babi, often depicted greeting the sun or guarding tombs, and were imported, mummified as offerings, and used as powerful religious symbols despite their often harsh captive conditions.

Plano-convex in section with moulded piriform face and wig, tools in the crossed hands. accompanied by an old handwritten note 'faience. Ceramic composed of crushed quartz or quartz sand with small amounts of lime and plant ash or naron. Coated with a bright blue or green glaze or soda[...]' and to verso 'Late period 700-400 BC Ex Margaret Seton-Jones from Flinders Petrie'. 10.5 grams, 49 mm



Ex Margaret Seton-Jones from Flinders Petrie. From the private collection of a Canadian gentleman living in Essex, UK, formed since the 1920s-circa 1990. Property of an Essex lady until the late 1990s; thence by descent. From the private collection of an Essex gentleman since the late 1990s. Accompanied by a hand-written slip with description and provenance.

Ovoid in profile with flat base and hollowed interior. 62.6 grams, 57 mm



From a UK private collection since at least 1946. Property of a West London, UK, gentleman.

'Torpedo' bottles were used in Victorian times to ensure that they were stored sideways to ensure that the seal in the neck was not compromised.