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LOT 0484
Egyptian Steatite Scarab Group
MAINLY LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1/2 - 3/4 in. (10.6 grams total, 13-20 mm).
Designs include: a line border enclosing a kneeling figure holding a staff, flanked by coiled cobras; a line border enclosing user, m, Re, and ankh signs; a line border enclosing a standing figure before a rearing cobra, with both figures surmounting a neb sign; a line border enclosing numerous hieroglyphs: a nefer sign flanked by sun discs, men, m, meru, neb signs with a falcon in front; a line border enclosing a central cartouche-shaped panel with neb, a, and ro signs, flanked by nefer and wadj signs. [5]
ProvenanceAcquired on the European art market in the early 2000s.
with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
TimeLine 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 Wooden Shabti
New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty, 1293-1185 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,080
Carved in the round with detailed tripartite wig, hands crossed at the chest; some painted and gilded(?) plaster surface; mounted on a later base. 332 grams, 26.9 cm
From the collection of Mrs Kilvert, who fled from France to England during the French Revolution. Received by gift to the Hodge family from Mrs Kilvert at Bath in 1864-1865; thence by descent to the grandchildren of Mr John Hodge, a private London tutor. From the collection of a New Zealand family; thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12846-239090. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
A shabti, also known as ushabti or shawabti, is a small funerary figurine found in ancient Egyptian tombs, dating from around 2000 BCE to 30 BCE. Its main purpose was to serve as a servant for the deceased in the afterlife, carrying out manual tasks such as farming or irrigation. Shabtis were often inscribed with a magical formula from the Book of the Dead to ensure they would animate when summoned. The distinctive, lighter-coloured, and previously part-gilded upper body decoration, contrasting with the black used for the rest of the figure, may symbolise the moment of rebirth, when the face of the deceased was bathed in the sun's rays. -
Egyptian Faience Turtle Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Blue glazed turtle amulet or bead with flat base and incised lines to each leg, pierced for suspension. 0.76 grams, 11 mm
From an early 20th century collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Turtle amulets have a rich history in ancient Egypt. The turtle was considered to possess a dual character. On one hand, it lived in the dark depths, embodying cosmic danger and was ritually annihilated. On the other hand, its power could be harnessed to ward off evil and work to the advantage of people, making turtle amulets a potent symbol of protection. -
Egyptian Carnelian Frog Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
Carved in the round, pierced through the body for suspension. 298 grams, 19 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Frog amulets in ancient Egypt symbolised fertility, rebirth, and regeneration. Associated with the goddess Heqet, linked to childbirth and life-giving forces, these amulets were especially popular in contexts related to fertility and protection during pregnancy and childbirth. Their connection to the annual Nile flood, which brought new life to the land, further reinforced their symbolism of renewal and abundance.
