Phoenician Faience and Stone Bead Necklace String

Carved rectangular plaque with central recess, carved image of a nude female modelled in the half-round with a deeply striated bag wig, arms by her side; traces of red and black pigment on the body; mounted on a custom-made stand. 502 grams total, 17.1 cm including stand



From a central London collection, formed 1980-2000. From the private collection of Mr David Barker, London, UK; thence by descent.

The rectangular limestone plaque almost certainly represents a shrine. Such plaques first appeared in Lower Egypt and became widespread in the Late Period and Ptolemaic era. They may have developed from earlier female figurines depicted on beds and are usually associated with the female goddesses Isis and Hathor, both powerful protectors of women and childbirth and associated with fertility.

Barrel-shaped with broad flat rim; with later hieroglyphic inscription to the lid. 115 grams, 47 mm high with lid



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection since the late 1990s.

Carved in the half-round in three-quarter view, youthful male head with stern features, hair gathered in a browband, horns to the brow; from a frieze or relief; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.59 kg total, 18.7 cm high including stand



Private European collection. Acquired on the Swiss art market, October 2013. European private collection. Accompanied by a copy of the 2013 invoice. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12085-218192.