Romano-Egytian Bead and Amulet Collection

Proof etching on laid paper of plate 61 from Vol .I of Description de l'Égypte : ou, Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l'expédition de l'armée française. entitled Le Kaire. Vue générale de la ville des tombeaux. 259 grams, 104 x 67 cm



From the collection of a North American priest. Acquired between 1981-1996. Property of a North American collector.

Produced between February 1802 and 1830 on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte; published between 1809 and 1828. Just 1,000 copies were distributed to various institutions, printed on laid paper with an 'Égypte ancienne et moderne' watermark. The book is subtitled Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l’expédition de l’Armée française, publié par les ordres de Sa Majesté l’Empereur Napoléon le Grand (Gathering of observations and discoveries which were made in Egypt during the expedition of the French army, published on the orders of His Majesty the Emperor Napoleon the Great). It was the world's first encyclopedia devoted exclusively to the remains of ancient Egypt. The plates of this book are the first to present the archaeological sites of Thebes (Luxor). The papyrus manuscript was recovered from the underground chambers (hypogea). The original papyrus is now held in the Bibliothèque Nationale (1-19), Paris (Papyrus Cadet).

Comprising: a fragment of a double segmenta from the sleeve of a tunic in purple wool on linen, embroidered with vegetal motifs; the fragment of a double segmenta from the hem of a cloak in brown wool on linen, embroidered with S pattern; a tablion with central geometric motif and border embroidered with meanders; a fragment of tapestry in yellow, green and red wool, S torsion, embroidered with floral patterns. 59 grams total including package, 7-24.5 cm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.

The fragments are decorative parts of tunics and cloaks. These are fabrics of great decorative finesse, with some elements displaying an unusual and extremely well-preserved color palette. The plant designs recall Iranian motifs.

Formed as the profile of a youthful face with shallow socket to accept an eye-insert. 1.21 grams, 17 mm



Ex French collection, early 20th century. From the collection of a late Japanese gentleman, 1970s onwards.