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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 Bronze Seated Isis with Horus Statue
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Modelled enthroned, wearing a cow's horn headdress with a solar disc; suckling the infant Horus seated transversely on her lap; Horus modelled with a side-lock of youth; mounted on a custom-made wooden stand. 405 grams total, 17.5 cm including stand
Property of a deceased gentleman's collection, 1980s. Ex John Nicholson Auction, Haslemere, Surrey, UK. -
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. -
Egyptian Deep Blue Faience Shabti with Hieroglyphic Inscription
Third Intermediate Period, 1069-735 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Comprising the upper part of the mummiform figure with the arms crossed at the chest and holding agricultural implements in each hand, wearing a tripartite wig with a headband with ties hanging down at the back; a seed bag suspended below the wig; the outline of the hoes, striations on the wig and the seed bag painted black; a central column of hieroglyphs on the front; mounted on a display stand. 125 grams total, 13 cm including stand
Ex Shropshire, UK, collection. From a Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.
