Loading, please wait...
LOT 0034
Egyptian Turquoise Glazed Faience Amulet of Imsety
LATE PERIOD, CIRCA 664-332 B.C.
1 3/8 in. (3.66 grams, 36 mm).
Flat-backed depiction of Imsety, one of the four sons of Horus, wearing a finely detailed tripartite wig, a broad collar, and holding a length of folded cloth.
Provenancewith Ancient World Arts, New York, USA.
Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above in 1994.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, fig. 50, for a similarly detailed example.
FootnotesThe Four Sons of Horus were deities responsible for protecting the deceased's internal organs. The human-headed Imsety protected the liver, the baboon-headed Hapy protected the lungs, the jackal-headed Duamutef protected the stomach, and the falcon-headed Qebehsenuef protected the intestines. Amulets depicting these deities were placed within the mummy wrappings.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Egyptian Glazed Steatite Amulet of Bastet
Late Period, circa 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,820
Modelled in advancing pose wearing a tight-fitting robe, cat-headed, with a sistrum in one hand and a Bes head emblem in the other; suspension loop between shoulders. 3.75 grams, 38 mm
François de Ricqlès, Paris, Archéologie, 30 September-1 October 1996, no.332. Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above sale. Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport, dated 2 October 1996. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Bastet is typically depicted with the head of a lioness or domestic cat. The cat symbolises protection, motherhood, and, later, gentleness and domesticity, qualities associated with Bastet, especially in her later evolution from a fierce lioness to a more benevolent feline goddess. The sistrum she holds is a ritual musical instrument associated with Hathor and other birth goddesses and is linked to joy, music, and divine protection. Bastet was often invoked during music and dance ceremonies, and the sistrum reinforces her role in celebration and protection. Bes was a dwarf god known for guarding households, particularly mothers and children. His image on Bastet’s amulet emphasises her protective role, especially at home and during childbirth. -
Egyptian Green Glazed Faience Amulet of a Monkey
Third Intermediate Period, circa 1069-735 B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Modelled in the round with dorsal pillar and loop, small base. 6.1 grams total, 43 mm including stand
Collection of Monsieur M.; Etude Tajan, Paris, 26 February 1996, no.101. Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above sale. Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport, dated 21 March 1996. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The vervet monkey was a symbol of love and sexual fulfilment. -
Egyptian Bronze Figure of Isis and Horus
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £450
Isis enthroned wearing a cow's horn headdress with a solar disc fronted by uraeus, suckling the infant Horus on her lap; Horus with a side-lock of youth. 73.4 grams, 68 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
In ancient Egyptian mythology, Isis was the sister-wife of Osiris and the mother of the sky god Horus. She is associated with aspects of fertility and motherhood and is often depicted in various artworks seated in a nursing pose with her son Horus on her lap, as here.
