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LOT 0508
Large Egyptian Steatite Scarab
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 1/8 in. (9.92 grams, 28 mm).
A line border encloses the standing figure of a falcon-headed deity wearing a sun disc and uraeus, and holding a was-sceptre, standing before the hieroglyphs user, Maat, Re, setep, n, Re, neb), all surmounting a larger neb sign.
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.
The design incorporates much of Ramesses II’s throne name, ‘the justice of Re is powerful, chosen of Re (user-Maat-Re setep-n-Re).
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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Large Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes and Cartouches of Thutmose III
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
With segmented carapace, detailed legs and mouth, incuse image of Bes with plumed headdress to underside flanked by two cartouches, each bearing the throne name of Thutmose III (Men-kheper-Re); chipped. 26.3 grams, 39 mm
Ex London, UK, gentleman's collection, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The royal name is incorrectly written, containing two sun discs rather than one, suggesting it may be of Levantine manufacture. Thutmose III, a dynamic New Kingdom pharaoh celebrated centuries after his death, frequently appears on scarabs during the Late Period. From the New Kingdom onwards, Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities. Despite his fearsome appearance, Bes served as the patron and protector of pregnant women and children, and was also believed to shield them from snakes. The combination of Thutmose III and Bes harnessed both royal and divine protection. -
Egyptian Light Blue Faience Hippopotamus Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Blue glazed figure modelled in the round as a standing hippopotamus, pierced to the centre. 3.63 grams, 20 mm
From an early 20th century collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
In ancient Egypt, hippos symbolised both danger and protection, representing chaos and fertility. Feared for their aggression along the Nile, they were also associated with the protective goddess Taweret and the river’s life-giving power. -
Egyptian Faience Double Lizard Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Gentle trapezoidal plinth with modelled depictions of two long-tailed lizards on the top; four evenly spaced holes pierce the plinth for attachment. 12 grams, 54 mm
From a UK dealer since the 1970s. From an old London, UK, collection since circa 1985. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The lizard was the animal manifestation of the creator god Atum. His sun-god aspect is embodied in the lizard's need to bask in sunshine.
