Egyptian Terracotta Bulla with Royal Cartouche

Gold chain of double-looped links terminating in corrugated end elements, with hook-and-eye clasp; suspension ring embellished with applied granulation and a ribbed loop; hollow-formed sheet-gold pendant in the round depicting Harpocrates seated, his right forefinger raised to his mouth, wearing a finely detailed nemes headdress surmounted by a complex hemhem, crown incorporating multiple hedjet elements, flanking uraei, and ram's horns. 49.80 grams, 40.5 cm



Ex Elie Boustros collection, Lebanon. Private collection, acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s; thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13203-249297.

The fully three-dimensional modelling of the pendant aligns it with a group of high-quality Roman-period Egyptian goldwork characterised by pronounced plasticity and sculptural ambition. A pertinent comparison may be drawn with the gold diadem depicting Serapis from the Dush Treasure, discovered concealed within the wall of a Roman fort in the Baris Oasis (Reddé, M., Douch IV. Le trésor de Douch, DFIFAO 28, Cairo, 1992). That assemblage, plausibly associated with a nearby temple of Serapis and Isis, demonstrates a similarly bold treatment of divine imagery in precious metal. Comparable small-scale representations of Harpocrates in gold - often amuletic in function - are known from Roman Egypt, though examples combining such intricate crown iconography with fully rounded modelling remain relatively rare. The present piece therefore occupies an interesting position between personal adornment and cultic or apotropaic object, reflecting both Alexandrian iconographic synthesis and provincial workshop virtuosity. Harpocrates is the Greek version of the Egyptian Hor-pa-khered, which means ‘Horus the Child’. This name refers to Horus as the divine infant of Isis and Osiris. Wearing an amulet of Harpocrates was believed to provide the same protection that Isis offered to her beloved son.

Rectangular green-glazed plaque with standing figure of Imsety in profile, with black pigment to the wig; pierced to the top and bottom; accompanied with a handwritten note reading 'Ancient Egyptian. Fayence pectoral amulet- impressive figure of Imseti, one of the four sons of Horus'. 5.98 grams, 49 mm



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. Accompanied by an old handwritten information ticket.

The Four Sons of Horus safeguarded the deceased's internal organs. The human-headed Imsety protected the liver, the baboon-headed Hapy the lungs, the jackal-headed Duamutef the stomach, and the falcon-headed Qebehsenuef the intestines. Plaques, such as this one, were sewn onto the mummy's wrappings or visceral packages.

Perching Horus falcon with talons gripping the front edge of the integral plinth; detailed wings and head and a suspension loop on the back. 1.24 grams, 19 mm



Ex London gentleman's collection, by descent 1980s.

Horus is one of the most significant and widely worshipped gods in ancient Egyptian mythology. His importance spans many aspects of Egyptian religion, including serving as a symbol of the living king, offering protection, representing the sky, and symbolising the sun.