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LOT 0435
Large Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment
CIRCA 5TH-9TH CENTURY A.D.
14 1/8 in. (103 grams total including package, 36 cm).
A very large tunic fragment from the upper part of the garment, in purple and red wool over linen, S torsion, a horizontal band with geometric patterns alternating with zig-zag lines, and descending on the breast with two clavi, patterned in similar way; red border with cords in the upper part, dentilled border with floral and vegetal ornaments (plants, flowers and buds with cross) in the lower part.
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Cf. Seagrott, M., Coptic Weaves, Merseyside County Museums, 1978, pl.18, for a fragment of a similar band.
FootnotesThese decorative bands had a ground weave in purple wool, with natural linen and red forming the inlaid design of formal sprigs and zig-zag patterns. The double woven selvedge of the tunic’s neck has been preserved in the upper part.
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AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Pre-Dynastic Stone Frog
4th millennium B.C.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £730
Pyramidal in form with shallow-carved hip and facial detailing. 537 grams, 81 mm
with Artemis Gallery, Munich, Germany, 2001. Private collection, Europe. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12580-232124.
The frog had a great role in ancient Egyptian mythology and was connected with the mythology of creation. A number of gods and goddesses were connected with the frog such as Heqet, Ptah, and Heh. The connection with the god Ptah as a god of creation was probably due to the idea that Ptah was the only god who created the world in ancient Egypt through his heart and his tongue. Every work of the god came about through what his heart devised and his tongue commanded. Frogs were often associated with Hekat, deity of birth and fecundity. Amulets of frogs were frequent votive gifts at such Predynastic and Archaic sites at Abydos, Naqada, and Saqqara. -
Egyptian Wooden Funerary Shabti Figurine
New Kingdom, circa 1570-1070 B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £540
Carved in the round as a mummiform figure, with a carefully modelled tripartite wig, a rounded face, large eyes, and a subtly simpering expression. 39 grams, 14.5 cm
Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, formed between 1950-1990s. with Liechti stock number 'E.825' to base. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12079-218221.
A shabti (also known as ushabti or shawabti) is a small funerary figurine found in ancient Egyptian tombs, from around 2000 BCE to 30 BCE. Its main purpose was to act as a servant for the deceased in the afterlife, carrying out manual tasks like farming or irrigation as directed by the gods. Shabtis were frequently inscribed with a magical formula from the Book of the Dead to ensure they would animate when summoned. -
Egyptian Faience Amulet Group
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £180 - 240 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £90
Comprising three heart amulets, two phallic amulets, and a ribbed fruit amulet. 11.6 grams total, 16-25 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
