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LOT 0490
Large Mounted Egyptian Coptic Textile
CIRCA 5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
34 in. (345 grams total, mount: 86.5 cm).
Possibly a fragment of a cloak, wool on linen, S-twist tapestry, decorated with a band of lanceolate leaves and two bigger opposed leaves in red, green and yellow colour.
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Cf. Calament, F., Durand, M., Antinoé, á la vie, á la mode, visions d’élégance dans les solitudes, Lyon, 2013, cat.44-45, for similar.
FootnotesA. Gayet, who excavated the Necropolis of Antinoe, showed that the cloaks of Coptic-era nobles could be ornate, with decoration applied or woven into the fabric. Realised in dark blue, red, orange, yellow, green, brown and off-white linen and wool, the leaves are usually positioned inside a central medallion, also lanceolate, divided by a small leaf surmounted by a flower.
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 Gold Bes Amulet
New Kingdom, circa 1550-1070 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
Mask of Bes with feathered crown; attachment bar to reverse. 3.57 grams, 18 mm
Ex French collection, early 20th century. From the collection of a late Japanese gentleman, 1970s onwards.
From the New Kingdom onwards, Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities. Despite his somewhat fearsome appearance, Bes served as the patron and protector of pregnant women and children, and was also believed to shield them from snakes. -
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
Circa 4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising: an orbiculus in coarse linen and brown wool, S torsion, embroidered with the image of a stylised bird, surrounded by tondos ornamented with geometric embroidery, borders meander decorated; a similar fragment of double segmenta, embroidered with hares alternated to fishes. 9 grams total including package, 60-64 mm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The iconography of this fragment is called "Nilotic," as it depicts plant and human elements linked to life on the Nile River. These images are very recurrent on Coptic textiles. Weavers created patterns that allowed them to reproduce these motifs on any type of fabric (curtains, tassels, clothing). -
Egyptian Poppy Amulet Group
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Three pendants each with poppy-head and loop at the apex. 3.55 grams total, 17-19 mm
From a gentleman's family collection, 2000s.
