Loading, please wait...
LOT 0043
Egypto-Roman Red Carnelian Soknopaios Gemstone in Gold Ring
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (5.23 grams, 23.98 mm overall, 18.87 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)).
The 19th century ring with D-section hoop expanding at the shoulders; the oval intaglio engraved with a seated woman offering food or drink from a cup to a creature with the body of a crocodile and a falcon head; accompanied by a custom-made display case and impression.
ProvenanceAcquired in the 1980s.
with Christie's, Ancient Jewellery, 7 December 2006, lot 277.
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.11779-204569.
Cf. Dosoo, K., Galoppin, T., ‘Animals in Graeco-Egyptian Magical Practice’ in Dosoo, K., Coulon, C., Magic Zōon, Animal and Magica from the Antiquity to the Middle Ages, Aubervilliers, 2022, pp.203-256; for images of Soknopaios see Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 30.8.307; the Walters Art Museum, accession no.22.347; for magical gems with an image of a falcon-headed crocodile, see the Bibliothèque nationale de France, Cabinet des Médailles, inventory no.CBd-3289.
FootnotesAn important creator god, Soknopaios is depicted here with the crocodile body of Sobek and the falcon head of Re. It has been suggested that the falcon head of Soknopaios alludes to association with the goddess Isis's son Horus. It can also depict an image of the so-called ‘nine shaped one’ (εννεάμορφος), a figure mentioned several times in the magical rituals written in Greek but with a strong Egyptian religious background. This deity is often understood as the bios (i.e. an incarnation) of the supreme god Amun-Re, often accompanied by a surrounding ouroboros serpent.
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.
LOT 0043
Egypto-Roman Red Carnelian Soknopaios Gemstone in Gold Ring
Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,200
-
Egyptian Blue Faience Hedgehog Amulet with Hieroglyphs
Late Period, 664-323 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Modelled standing on an ovoid base with stylised anatomical detailing; hieroglyphs to base. 0.65 grams, 12 mm
From an early 20th century collection, Carnavon, North Wales, UK. -
Egyptian Mounted Coptic Textile
Circa 5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Comprising a double band of purple wool over linen, the ornament consisting of a series of circles alternating with a star-shaped and rhomboid decoration. 152 grams, 42.5 x 34 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The large segments can be classified as clavi, although they are not part of a tunic but more possibly borders of a curtain, or a funerary sheet. Mantles and funerary shrouds were usually decorated by wide bands along the lower border, imitating the ornaments of tunics with clavi and orbiculi. -
Egyptian Calcite Jar
Early Dynastic Period, 2900-2350 B.C.Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,222
Carved from 'Egyptian alabaster' or marble, squat-bodied with a broad, rounded shoulder and narrow flat base, short neck and everted rim, four pierced lugs to the shoulders incorporated into a circumferential band of engraved cross-hatching. 746 grams, 11.8 cm
From a British collection, acquired in 1993. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11835-206783.
