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LOT 0420
Egyptian Steatite Scarab
MIDDLE KINGDOM-SECOND INTERMEDIATE PERIOD, CIRCA 1900-1560 B.C.
7/8 in. (5.2 grams, 22 mm).
Plano-convex in section with segmented carapace and mouth parts; to the underside, the 'Sema-Tawy' central motif and two flanking ankh glyphs. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of David Donlan (1947-2025), a dedicated and lifelong collector with a passion for the ancient world and the natural sciences, forming his collection from the 1960s onwards, using many reputable dealers across the United Kingdom, including the well-regarded Coincraft and The Parthenon Gallery.
FootnotesThe 'sema- tawy' is a powerful symbol representing the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. It traditionally consists of a windpipe entwined with lotus and papyrus plants. The ankh signs are the Egyptian hieroglyphs for 'life'.
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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LOT 0420
Egyptian Steatite Scarab
Estimate £60 - 80€70 - 93 (for guidance only)$81 - 108 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Egypto-Phoenician Agate Scarab
8th-6th century B.C.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Plano-convex in section with incised segmentation to the carapace, underside with two hatched avian figures; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.65 grams, 20 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Egyptian Faience Shabti of Tent-Aset
Third Intermediate Period, 22nd Dynasty, circa 945-715 B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Mummiform figure depicted with a tripartite wig and holding two hoes in crossed hands, with a painted seed-bag on the reverse and a headband, and a hieroglyphic legend on the lower body naming “The Osiris, Tent-Aset, justified”; repaired; mounted on a perspex base. 90 grams total, 11.7 cm including stand
From the collection of David Donlan (1947-2025), a dedicated and lifelong collector with a passion for the ancient world and the natural sciences, forming his collection from 1960s onwards, using many reputable dealers across the United Kingdom, including the well-regarded Coincraft and The Parthenon Gallery. -
Egyptian Faience Shabti for the Fourth Son of Ramesses II, Prince Khaemwaset
New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty, 1279-1213 B.C.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £750
In brownish-black and white faience with black detailing, depicted wearing a round wig featuring a side-lock, the white face displaying eyes, eyebrows, nostrils, and a short beard in black; the arms crossed, and the white-glazed hands (one missing) holding hoes; a slightly raised white-glazed frontal panel containing a column of hieroglyphic text reading: 'The Osiris, the sem (priest), the King's Son, Khaemwaset, True of Voice'. 103 grams, 12.7 cm
Acquired on the UK art market, 1990s. Private collection, New York, USA.
Khaemwaset was the fourth son of Ramesses II, born to Queen Iset-Nofret. In addition to serving as the Sem-priest of Ptah at Memphis from an early age, he held various titles related to the Memphite cult, including High Priest of Ptah. The side-lock featured on all of Khaemwaset's shabtis is associated with his priestly role. Many shabtis of the prince are known, with the largest single group coming from the Serapeum at Saqqara; however, others have been found in numerous other locations. Since Khaemwaset's tomb has yet to be discovered, it appears that most of the known shabtis may have served as votive offerings in the sacred areas of the Memphite necropolis. His faience shabtis come in various colours, including green, blue, white, and black, and range in size from just under 10 cm to 15 cm in height. The distinctive glaze combination of this example, featuring a raised white-glazed panel contrasting with the darker body colour, is also found on some other 19th Dynasty shabtis (Cf. Janes, G., The Shabti Collections 3: Rochdale Arts & Heritage Service, Cheshire, 2011, pp.1-5, for those of Userhat from Sedment).
