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LOT 0463
Egypto-Phoenician Agate Scarab
8TH-6TH CENTURY B.C.
3/4 in. (5.65 grams, 20 mm).
Plano-convex in section with incised segmentation to the carapace, underside with two hatched avian figures; supplied with a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
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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Egyptian Alabaster Miniature 'Torpedo' Flask
Middle Kingdom, 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Ovoid in profile with a pointed base, narrow opening, and hollowed interior. 62.6 grams, 57 mm
From a UK private collection since at least 1946. Property of a West London, UK, gentleman.
Ancient Egyptian cosmetics included volatile essential oils, animal fats, or scented plant resins. The ‘torpedo’ shape of the vessel required it to be positioned horizontally, ensuring the fluid remained in contact with the stopper or seal to prevent it from drying out or leaking. -
Egyptian Bronze Statuette of Young Horus
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
Modelled in the round in striding pose with one arm resting along the body and the right hand raised to his mouth, wearing an elaborate side-lock of youth and Pschent crown fronted by uraeus; mounted on a display stand. 202 grams total, 12.8 cm including stand
with R.H. Blanchard's Egyptian Museum, Cairo, early 20th century. Private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by its original base, retaining the Blanchard label.
Harpocrates is the Greek equivalent of the Egyptian name 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 granted to her beloved son. Larger bronze statuettes, such as this, were probably votive offerings to Harpocrates, intended to secure his favour and protection. -
Coptic Marble Liturgical Vessel Fragment with Inscription
6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,053
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.