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LOT 0454
Large Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment
CIRCA 4TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
11 7/8 in. (108 grams total including package, 30 cm).
Very large tunic fragment with a clavus connected by a thin band to the orbiculus, in red purple, brown and red granate wool over linen, S torsion, embroidered with three tondos decorated with stylised images of dancers with raised heads and curly hair; crenellated borders. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Cf. Pritchard, F., Clothing culture, Dress in Egypt in the collection of The Whitworth Art Gallery, The University of Manchester, Manchester, 2006, figs.2.3 (a) and 2.3 (b), for similar textiles.
FootnotesThis type of embroidery was typical of tunics and garments characterised by full-length clavi, decorated with either intricate geometric patterns or with a multitude of small figures and animals, often edged with geometric borders and finished with thick, weft-loop fringes or cords.
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 Coptic Textile Fragment Group
Circa 4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Comprising: a fragment of a segmentum in white linen and blue wool, D torsion, with remains of a medallion embroidered with architectonical ornaments; fragment of an orbiculus in linen and red, brown, yellow and blue wool, S torsion, embroidered with vegetal patterns and the central images of an animal; a further fragment of an orbiculus in white linen and red, white, black wool, S torsion, embroidered with floral buds, a tetragamma and animals; a beautiful fragment of clavus, purple wool on linen, embroidered with lions catching birds. 67 grams total including package, 10.7-26.6 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
Scenes featuring personified animals first appeared during the early Pharaonic period and continued through to the Coptic era. These animals are often featured in scenes of music and dance, or processions linked with Dionysiac iconography. -
Egyptian Amulet Bead Collection
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Group of amuletic beads and pendants, including Bes with a feathered headdress, the goddess Taweret, a Hathor head with characteristic curled wig, a vulture, and others. 3 grams total, 12.5-19.6 mm
with Archaeologia, Switzerland, before 1983. Ex private North American collection. London private collection, 2016. -
Egyptian Bronze Statuette of Osiris
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
A slender standing figure of Osiris in iconic mummiform appearance, wearing the tall conical Atef crown with its flanking ostrich plumes, and central uraeus, holding the crook (heka) and flail (nekhakha) regalia; suspension loop on the reverse. 47.3 grams, 76 mm
Acquired on the UK art market in the 1970s. Private collection, UK.
