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LOT 0532
Large Egyptian Steatite Scarab
SECOND INTERMEDIATE PERIOD–NEW KINGDOM, CIRCA 1600-1069 B.C.
1 3/8 in. (13.3 grams, 34 mm).
Modelled body of a beetle with detailed carapace and legs; the underside carved with a border enclosing the depictions of an advancing lion, a crocodile below, with a fish behind, and a nefer sign in front.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Petrie, W.M.F., Button and Design Scarabs, London, 1925, pl. XIV, nos. 880, for a scarab depicting a lion above a crocodile; Ben-Tor, D., The Scarab: A Reflection of Ancient Egypt, Tel Aviv, 1993, p. 32, for a discussion of this scarab design type.
FootnotesIt is believed that the lion symbolised the king and his strength in overcoming dangerous forces.
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 Heart Scarab Group
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
Comprising two scarabs with striated wing cases and ribbed underside. 7.5 grams total, 18-20 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The scarab amulet was a powerful symbol of rebirth, transformation, and protection in ancient Egypt. Modelled after the beetle linked to the sun god Khepri, it represented the cycle of life and regeneration. Used from the Middle Kingdom (c. 2050 BCE) onwards, scarabs served as funerary amulets, personal charms, and seals—often inscribed with prayers or names—reflecting both spiritual beliefs and daily life. -
Egyptian Faience Amulet of Taweret
664-332 B.C.Estimate: £400 - 600 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Modelled in the round with dorsal pillar and loop at the shoulder, the goddess in hippopotamus form with human torso and arms. 7.9 grams, 50 mm
Collection of an amateur, Carouge, Switzerland, assembled in the 1980s-1990s. Thence by descent to the collection of Mr S.P., since 2020. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Roman and Egyptian Glass Fragment Collection
2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Comprising a mixed group of mosaic and other glass fragments. 26 grams total, 12-29 mm
Ex Gallery Mikazuki prior to 1984. Property of a London, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
