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LOT 0472
Phoenicio-Egyptian Dark Green Stone Scarab
CIRCA 9TH-8TH CENTURY B.C.
5/8 in. (3.94 grams, 15 mm).
With textured carapace, bull-horned column to the reverse, possibly a symbol of Tanit.
ProvenanceFrom the property of the late Mr SM, London, UK, 1969-1999.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Moscati, S., I Fenici (The Phoenicians), Milano, 1988, p.395, for examples of Phoenician scarabs; Boschloos, V., 'Tyre, Achziv and Kition. Evidence for a Phoenician Iron Age II Scarab Seal Workshop,' in Lohwasser, A. (ed.), Skarabäen des 1. Jahrtausends: Ein Workshop in Münster am 27. Oktober 2012, Orbis Biblicus et Orientalis 269, Ruprecht, 2014, p. 16, pl. 3.1, for a more stylised Tanit-like symbol.
FootnotesThe widespread adoption of the scarab, both as a symbol linked to the concept of rebirth, and in its function as a seal, exemplifies the extent of Egyptian influence on Phoenician culture, from its origins in the Levant to its spread across the Mediterranean.
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AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
Circa 4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Comprising: remains of a segmentum in yellow, green and brown wool over a red linen background, S torsion, embroidered with a central band and coloured buds; a near complete tablion with representation of a dancer, inside a rondo, with four hares running on the four corners, triangular border on the external edge. 33 grams total including package, 10.7-12.2 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The central dancing figure, with her attributes and attitude, can only be interpreted as a Maenad, isolated from the Bacchic procession and abandoned to sacred trances. -
Egyptian Carnelian Scarab
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,600
Modelled in the round with detailed head and legs, ellipsoid plaque, longitudinal piercing. 3.3 grams, 18 mm
Ex Belinda Elliston collection, a member of the Egyptian Exploration Society, 1940s onwards. -
Egyptian Coptic Textile Fragment Group
Circa 7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Comprising: a fragment of a segmentum in linen and red, brown, yellow and blue wool, S torsion, embroidered with a series of heads alternating with a flying putto holding a melograne; a fragment of another segmentum in linen and red, brown, yellow and blue wool, S torsion, embroidered with vegetal patterns, borders decorated with meanders; a fragment of a segmentum in linen and red, brown, white, yellow and blue wool, S torsion, embroidered with floral buds; a small fragment of a tablion with geometric decoration, purple wool on linen. 44 grams total including package, 4.3-20.5 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
Some of these pieces are fragments from a tunic decoration, usually belonging to bands on red background, decorated with a series of motifs related to the Dionysian cult: usually these depict cherubs, fish, heads, palmettes, vegetal and floral ornaments, as well as figures of dancing puttoes within the orbiculi. The decorative motifs on these tunics were usually arranged vertically and horizontally.