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LOT 0437
Egyptian Stone Eye Inlay Pair
PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 332-30 B.C.
1 1/4 in. (10.5 grams total, 30-32 mm).
White stone sclera with black stone iris, green stains visible on edges from copper rims. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market, 1977-1979.
Private collection, London.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Egyptian coffin eye inlays were both decorative and symbolic, intended to make the coffin appear lifelike and assist the deceased in the afterlife. Typically, they featured a white sclera (glass, alabaster or quartz), a dark iris (glass or often obsidian), and sometimes red paint at the inner corner. The eyes were often set in bronze or copper frames, occasionally with faience or bronze eyebrows.
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 Green Glazed Faience Amulet of a Seated Sphinx
Kushite Kingdom, 25th Dynasty, circa 747-656 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Figure of a sphinx in seated pose on a tongue-shaped base, with loop between the shoulders and Nubian hairstyle. 17.48 grams total, 51 mm including stand
with Charles Ede Ltd, London, UK. Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above on 28 April 1994. Accompanied by a copy of the Charles Ede invoice. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The 'Nubian' hairstyle was worn by young women in connection with birth, nursing babies and applying cosmetics. -
Phoenician Bronze Scaraboid Stamp Seal
6th-4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
With wire carrier loop and intaglio geometric motif to underside. 4.67 grams, 16 mm
Ex London, UK, gentleman 1980-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Phoenician Amethyst Scarab
8th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,600
Plano-convex in section with carved carapace to upper face; two lines of Phoenician script to underside. 3.21 grams, 18 mm
Acquired in 1992. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12851-241685. 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.