Large Romano-Egyptian Silver Snake Mount

Tongue-shaped decorative panel with segmented borders; above, funerary scene with the deceased's mummy on a leonine bier, flanked by the attending goddesses Isis and Nephthys; the deceased's Ba-bird hovering above the body; a central vertical band of semi-cursive hieroglyphic text flanked by six panels containing figures of the Four Sons of Horus and squatting knife-wielding guardians; mounted on board in a glazed frame. 2.17 kg total, 36.5 cm high



From a London, UK, collection. Exhibited in London in mid 2000s. Private gentleman's collection, J.L., Surrey, UK. Accompanied by a scholarly report by Egyptologist Paul Whelan. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11772-203499.

This cartonnage comes from a set of mummy trappings, usually consisting of four to six individual pieces that were sown on the front of a mummified and bandaged body. The element here is an apron positioned on the body below a mask and collar and above a foot cover or stylised 'sandals'. The central band of inscription calls upon Osiris and Anubis to ensure a good burial for the deceased.

Composed mainly of tubular and annular beads decorated with polychrome glazes, together with the upper half of an amulet of the god Shu. 26 grams total, 3-22 mm



From an early 20th century UK collection.

The trio comprising a baboon, a rearing snake and shrew, each with simple stylised detailing. 83 grams total, 36-42 mm



‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.