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LOT 0478
Egyptian Terracotta Bowl
PREDYNASTIC PERIOD, 4TH MILLENNIUM B.C.
6 1/8 in. (375 grams, 15.5 cm wide).
Conical in profile with narrow foot; old collector's notation to underside: 'Found by Petrie location Ballas and Naqada in 1895'. [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 1960s onwards, using many reputable dealers across the United Kingdom, including the well-regarded Coincraft and The Parthenon Gallery.
LiteratureCf. Petrie, W.M.F., Quibell, J.E., Naqada and Ballas, London, 1895, pl. XXII, no. 22, for a similarly styled vessel.
FootnotesNaqada (ancient Nubt) is situated on the west bank of the Nile, and is the type-site for the Predynastic period (Naqada I–III). It was a major centre of trade, craft production, and the process of unifying Egypt. Ballas is situated on the east bank opposite Naqada, and contains important Predynastic and Early Dynastic cemeteries excavated extensively by Flinders Petrie and James Quibell in conjunction with their work at Naqada. Their report was published in 1895.
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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Coptic Marble Liturgical Vessel Fragment with Inscription
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Tongue-shaped with low rounded pad on the underside, raised edge with low-relief decoration of grape vines and leaves, the edge with pairs of opposing doves eating grapes; dedicatory Demotic inscription on the underside. 87 grams, 55 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12575-232108.
These vessels were used as liturgical objects for church offerings or ritual, and were extensively employed from late antiquity in ecclesiastical contexts. -
Phoenician White Steatite Cowroid Amulet
Second Intermediate Period, circa 1600 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Oval body with domed upper face and piecrust rim, underside with a cartouche containing the signs neb-ka-raand flanked by stylised cobra and falcon signs. 1.67 grams, 19 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Egypto-Roman Seated Limestone Statuette of Bes
Ptolemaic-Roman Period, circa 332 B.C.-300 A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Current Winning Bid: £1,000
Modelled in the round in a crouching pose on a rectangular base; the beard modelled in hanks with curled ends, the eyes recessed to accept inserts, mouth gaping; animal head amulet on the chest suspended on a cord; socket to reverse; chipped. 942 grams, 18.5 cm
Bonhams, London, 4 July 1995, no.36. Private collection, New York, USA. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13294-255443.
From the New Kingdom onwards, Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities. Despite his somewhat fearsome appearance, Bes served as the patron and protector of pregnant women and children and was also believed to shield them from snakes.
