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LOT 2100
Egyptian Style Seated Bronze Cat and Gilt Brooch
EARLY 20TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 - 2 1/2 in. (122 grams total, 61-65 mm).
Comprising: a seated cat statuette; a brooch formed as two spread wings flanking an inset scarboid with a cartouche and hieroglyphs. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an old English collection, Camden, London, UK.
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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Post Medieval Bronze 'LOVE LOVE' Posy Ring
18th-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
D-shaped in section with capital inscription to inner face "LOVE L LOVE". 1.18 grams, 21.22 mm overall, 18.53 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
Found Suffolk, UK. Property of a Suffolk, UK, gentleman. -
Indus Valley Style Terracotta Idol Fragment Group
20th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £13
Including standing figures and body parts. 156 grams total, 41-90 mm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Silver-Gilt Mounted Jet 'Figa' Amulet
Spain, 17th century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
Formed as a hand showing figa gesture, silver mount with applied twisted wires; attachment loop and ring to the top. 19.6 grams, 56 mm
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.
Mano Fico, as protective amulets have been used since the ancient world, it was believed to protect from the evil eye and other dark and magical forces and to promote fertility. In ancient Rome, the fig sign, or mano fico, was made by the pater familias (father of the family) to ward off the evil spirits of the dead as a part of the Lemuria ritual. The ancient Greeks wore amulets of the gesture around the neck to protect from the evil eye, and also used the gesture in artwork. What they considered an overtly sexual gesture was expected to distract evil spirits from causing harm. The pendant would have been worn from a belt or from a chatelaine containing other protective talismans. This carving would have served as a token representing a person's pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, one of the very few places in which jet can be found and mined since at least the Middle Ages.
