Ottoman Carved Wooden Stylus Base

A restrung necklace composed of carnelian beads and biconvex silver beads, with four lozengiform silver pendants and a hollow-formed bifacial silver triangular pendant, decorated with four rows of interlocking hatched and blank triangles between bands of chevrons on one face, and central floral motif on the other, with a flanged top and suspension loop; with later clasp. 62.2 grams, 46.5 cm



Acquired in the mid-1980s to early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.

Comprising a round-section swivel ring set with a carved Apis bull depicted recumbent with its head turned to the right. 4.71 grams, 27.98 mm overall, 19.07 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12939-245988.

The Apis bull was a sacred animal in ancient Egyptian religion, worshipped as a living manifestation of the god Ptah and later associated with Osiris and Ra. Regarded as an intermediary between the gods and humanity, the Apis bull was chosen based on specific physical characteristics, such as a black coat with unique white markings. Once identified, it was housed in a grand temple in Memphis, where it was treated with great reverence, adorned with jewellery, and participated in important religious ceremonies. Upon its death, the bull underwent elaborate mummification and burial rituals, symbolising its transition to the afterlife and its continued divine role. The cult of the Apis bull highlights the Egyptians’ deep connection to animals as symbols of divine power and their belief in the interconnectedness of the mortal and spiritual worlds.

With a biconical body and flared foot set off-centre, large U-shaped spout and flat rim. 667 grams total, 11.9 cm



From a collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva.