Egyptian Style Deep Blue Glazed Taweret Amulet

The oval intaglio carved with a lively Bacchic procession: a winged putto driving a goat-drawn chariot, grasping a thyrsus with one hand and guiding the reins with the other; before the chariot, another putto dancing and playing the pipes; set in a gold pendant. 7.83 grams, 38 mm



Private collection, UK.

The subject reflects the revival of antique themes characteristic of early 19th-century glyptic art, drawing inspiration from Roman gems and Renaissance engravings after Raphael. Such imagery of putti in Bacchic revels was emblematic of festivity, abundance, and playful triumph, well-suited to the Neoclassical fascination with classical allegory. For a comparison, see the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, accession no. 49.97.335, “A frieze arrangement with a putto wearing a laurel crown riding a goat at left and many infants playing musical instruments in front,” Master of the Die after Raphael, c. 1530–60.

With carinated profile, running tendrils to outer face; inner face with legend in seriffed capitals 'x PAR x MELIO x SPERO' (I hope for the best). 2.42 grams, 19.66 mm overall, 17.76 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Suffolk, UK, on 1st March 2020. Declared as Treasure and disclaimed by the crown with Treasure reference no.2020 T424; and recorded by the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) with report no.SF-0DE329. Accompanied by a copy of the report on find of Potential Treasure for HM Coroner.

Comprising: dagger with thick midrib to the triangular blade, narrow guard, bulb to the grip and pommel; D-section steel scabbard with applied bronze panels with stamped decoration, four lateral rings for suspension, leather-lined. 787 grams, 37 cm



From a private Tyneside collection, formed since the early 2000s.