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LOT 0537
Egyptian Steatite Fish Amulet with Horse
NEW KINGDOM, 1550-1070 B.C.
3/4 in. (3.04 grams, 20 mm).
A bifacial rectangular amulet with incised fish in profile to the obverse, a standing horse to the reverse; drilled for suspension. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx Constable collection, 1990s.
Ex P. Morris collection.
Accompanied by an old photograph dated 'London 1997'.
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, p. 53 fig. 54h, for a similar fish amulet, but with a monkey depicted on the reverse.
FootnotesThis amulet depicts a ‘Tilapia nilotica’ or ‘bolti’, a prevalent fish species found in the Nile. Not only was it esteemed for its delicious taste, but it was also regarded as a symbol of rebirth and resurrection due to its unique ability to carry its eggs in its mouth, symbolising self-creation.
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 Glass Panel with Eyes
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £220 - 320 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £118
Irregular glass panel fragment with inlaid mosaic eye motifs; repaired. 1.57 grams, 18 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Egyptian Painted Wooden Mummy Mask
Ptolemaic Period, circa 3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,900
D-shaped in plan with carved facial detailing, thick nose and full lips; painted bands to the brow, pierced in three places for attachment. 1.04 kg, 30 cm
Swiss private collection, Zurich, assembled in the 1950s. Private collection. Acquired on the Zurich art market in 2013. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12847-241680.
The cartonnage mask from the Ptolemaic Period (305-30 BC) was a funerary covering made of wood or layers of papyrus/linen and plaster, modelled and painted, which covered the face of the mummy, often gilded, decorated with coloured glass and stones, and depicted the deceased with an idealized face and golden skin to protect him and guarantee him rebirth as a deity in the afterlife, combining Egyptian tradition with Graeco-Roman influences. -
Egyptian Bronze Seated Harpocrates
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £900 - 1,200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £475
Substantial cast figurine modelled in the round of Harpocrates sitting with hands on his thighs, double crown and sidelock. 389 grams, 16.2 cm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
Harpocrates is the Greek rendering of the Egyptian Hor-pa-khered, which means ‘Horus the Child’. This name refers to Horus as the divine infant of Isis and Osiris. Wearing an amulet of Harpocrates was believed to give the wearer the same protection that Isis offered to her beloved son. Larger bronze statuettes probably served as votive offerings to Harpocrates to secure his favour and protection.
