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Click here to subscribeCa. AD 700-800.A circular pendant crafted from a thin sheet of gold. This amulet features a suspension loop for attachment and is adorned with punched decoration. At its centre, a prominent boss is enclosed within a five-armed star motif, further encircled by a dotted border. Size: 23mm x 20mm; Weight: 0.34g Provenance: Private UK collection; From an old London collection formed in the 1990s.
First Intermediate Period, Ca. 2181 - 2055 BC.A rare type of amuletic seal in glazed steatite, taking the form of a half cylinder design amulet with a flat base. The seal is inscribed was an intricate maze pattern. For a similar example, see: The Israel Museum, Accession Number: 76.30.1912. Size: 20mm x 7mm; Weight: 1g Provenance: Prince collection, 1990s-2014, acquired from Sand of Time Gallery, Jul 2006, Lot 56.
Ca. AD 900-1100.A bronze example of an axe or Perun amulet comprising a suspension loop through its socket and a stylised blade with incised decoration on both sides. This type of amulet is modelled after the axe Molnia and is often seen as a counterpart to the common Mjolnir amulet. Some associate these axe pendants with Perun who was the ruler of the living world, sky and earth who used the axe to kill the snake that stole the earthly light. Size: 32mm x 43mm; Weight: 10.7g Provenance: Private UK collection; From an old London collection formed in the 1990s.
A CLOISONNE ENAMEL GAU WITH BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI, 19TH CENTURYSino-Tibetan, late Qing dynasty (1644-1912). The amulet box for a high-ranking lama's use. Of rounded arched form, the body decorated with scrolling foliage, lotus blossoms and bats on a turquoise ground, all around a central arched panel containing the Tibetan character 'hum' within a yellow scroll border, flanked by two lugs for suspension. The interior with a small bronze figure of Buddha Shakyamuni seated in dhyanasana on a lotus base and holding an alms bowl, his face in gilt and the hair with remnants of blue pigment.Condition: Good condition, the gau with minor wear, small dents, and few fills to the enamels. The buddha with casting flaws, minor nicks, and light surface scratches.Provenance: Czech private collection.Weight: 258.4 g in totalDimensions: Height 9 cmAuction result comparison: Type: Closely relatedAuction: Bonhams Edinburgh, 21 April 2010, lot 90Price: GBP 1,560 or approx. EUR 3,100 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A Tibeto-Chinese cloisonne Gau, 19th centuryExpert remark: Compare the closely related motif. Note the lot comprises only the gau. Note the size (11.5 cm).
A SERPENTINE AMULET OF A BOY, c. 2000 YERS OLDCentral Asia, presumably c. 2500 years old. Carved as a standing naked young boy, the semi-translucent serpentine of a mottled dark and light green tone. Pierced through the shoulders allowing for suspension as a pendant.Condition: Good condition with some wear and natural imperfections to the stone.Provenance: The collection of The Zelnik Istvan Southeast Asian Gold Museum. Institutional art collection in Belgium, acquired from the above. Dr. Istvan Zelnik, President of the Hungarian South and Southeast Asian Research Institute, is a former high-ranking Hungarian diplomat who spent several decades in Southeast Asia, building the largest known private collection of Asian art in Europe.Weight: 30 gDimensions: Height 5.5 cm
A SERPENTINE AMULET OF A MAN, c. 2000 YERS OLDCentral Asia, presumably c. 2500 years old. Carved as a standing man, wearing a high crown and holding an axe, the semi-translucent serpentine of a mottled dark and light green tone. Pierced through the neck allowing for suspension as a pendant.Condition: Good condition with some wear and natural imperfections to the stone.Provenance: The collection of The Zelnik Istvan Southeast Asian Gold Museum. Institutional art collection in Belgium, acquired from the above. Dr. Istvan Zelnik, President of the Hungarian South and Southeast Asian Research Institute, is a former high-ranking Hungarian diplomat who spent several decades in Southeast Asia, building the largest known private collection of Asian art in Europe.Weight: 17.4 gDimensions: Height 5.6 cm
Ca. 2055-1650 BC.A steatite scarab amulet with incised detailing to form a ridged carapace and naturalistic features. The flat underside is engraved with hieroglyphs. Size: 18mm x 12mm; Weight: 3g Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1970s UK collection.
Ca. 1069-332 BC.A finely detailed ancient Egyptian blue faience udjat or wedjat eye amulet, more commonly referred to as the Eye of Horus. The amulet is pierced longitudinally for suspension. The pupil and eyebrow appear enhanced in black glaze. The reverse is flat. For a similar, please see W.M.F. Petrie, Amulets, Plate XXV - 138s, 138t. Size: 15mm x 14mm; Weight: 1g Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1970s UK collection.
Ca. 664-332 BC.A finely rendered amulet depicting the Eye of Horus with a suspension loop. The Eye of Horus, also known as the Wedjat Eye, was a powerful symbol in ancient Egyptian religion, representing the god Horus' right eye, which was said to have been torn out during his battle with the god Set. The Eye of Horus was associated with healing, protection, and regeneration, and was often depicted as a powerful, all-seeing eye. Cf. W.M.F. Petrie, Amulets, Plates XXIV-XXV. Size: 30mm x 35mm; Weight: 21g Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1970s UK collection.
Late Period, Ca. 664-332 BC.A faience amulet of Anubis, a god associated with death and the afterlife. He is depicted striding forward with his left leg, arms at his sides, and a human-canine appearance. Anubis played a role in guiding the deceased to the afterlife. For similar see: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 04.2.151. Size: 26mm x 10mm; Weight: 1.4g Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1970s UK collection.
Late Period, Ca. 664-332 BC.A faience amulet of the protector god Bes. He is portrayed as a nude dwarf on an integrated base. He wears a large feather crown above his head, surmounting grotesque facial features, with protruding tongue and ears. Shown standing on slightly bent legs with his hands on either side of his belly, his tail between his legs. Pierced horizontally through the bottom of his crown for suspension. Cf. W.M.F. Petrie, Amulets, Plate XXXIII. For a similar, please see The National Museums Liverpool, Accession number 44.19.143. Size: 19mm x 8mm; Weight: 1g Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1970s UK collection.
Late Period, Ca. 664-332 BC.An Eye of Horus amulet with incised linear detail and complete with suspension loop. The Eye of Horus amulet is also known as Uzat or ‘Wedjat’, meaning “Whole One”. It is a symbol of protection and was used to deflect evil, as well as believed to have healing powers. Cf. W.M.F. Petrie, Amulets, Plates XXIV-XXV. For a similar, please see The National Museums Liverpool, Accession number 56.21.506. Size: 19mm x 18mm; Weight: 2g Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1970s UK collection.
Ca. 18th Century AD.A meticulously decorated gold scroll holder amulet of hexagonal cylindrical form with tapering ends, one of which opens to allow insertion of a protective prayer or a blessing. It has three suspension loops for a chain to be worn around the neck and provide protection for the wearer. Cf. Aga Khan Museum, Accession Number: AKM624.2. Size: 80mm x 13mm; Weight: 10.5g Provenance: Private London family collection; formed between 1970-2008.
Late Period, Ca. 664-332 BC.An amulet formed in the shape of a papyrus column known as Wadj or papyrus sceptre. It has been crafted from a light faience with a suspension hole. This amulet depicts a rolled papyrus scroll and was used as a protective amulet to provide the deceased with eternal youth in the afterlife. Cf. Andrews, C., 1994. Amulets of Ancient Egypt, p. 81-83; W.M.F. Petrie, Amulets, Plate II. For a similar, please see The Princeton University Art Museum, Object number: y1961-100. Size: 35mm x 11mm; Weight: 2g Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1970s UK collection.
Ca. 300-100 BC.A silver frog amulet, crafted with meticulous detail. This diminuitive charm is carefully rendered, with the back and front legs of the frog crafted with anatomical accuracy. Adorned with tiny dots along its back, the frog amulet captures the essence of the creature's textured skin, adding an element of realism to the artistic rendering. At the forefront of the amulet, a suspension loop emerges from the frog's mouth. This loop allowed the amulet to be easily attached to a chain or cord, enabling it to be worn as a protective charm or pendant. Size: 21.5mm x 17.9mm; Weight: 2.32g Provenance: Private London collection; formerly acquired in the US in the 1990s.
Late Period, Ca. 664-332 BC.A glazed composition amulet of the goddess Taweret. She is depicted as a hippopotamus, complete with pendulous breasts and a pregnant belly. Her limbs are those of a feline, most likely a lion and her long tail represents a Nile crocodile. She strides forward with one foot in front. There is a large suspension loop to the back of the amulet. For a similar, please see The National Museums Liverpool, Accession number 44.19.168. Size: 24mm x 14mm; Weight: 1.5g Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1970s UK collection.
Late Period, Ca. 664-332 BC.A faience amulet of the ram-headed god, Khnum. He is depicted striding forward, with arms by his side and his fists clenched. He wears a short kilt and tripartite wig. Cf. C. Andrews, Amulets of Ancient Egypt, 1994, p. 22. Size: 26mm x 12mm; Weight: 1.5g Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1970s UK collection.
Ca. 10th-12th Century.A bronze amulet which takes the elegant form of a bearded axe with flat top and a knob-like protrusion on the lower side. Decoration includes punched circles near the blade, thought by some to represent celestial bodies. Other, intricate ornamentation includes rows of circular and triangular patterns incised around the outline of the amulet, and punched circles at the hilt. Some associate these amulets with Perun, a god of thunder and the supreme deity of the Pre-Viking Slavic religion Size: 45mm x 55mm; Weight: 20g Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market since the 1970s.
African Congolese 'Lega' bone sharm in the shape of a mask with the typical Lega characteristics || AFRIKA /KONGO - 20° EEUW 'Lega'-amulet in de vorm van een masker in been met zeer mooie gebruikspatine en met de typische kenmerken qua vorm en ornamentiek (scarificaties) - hoogte : 8,5 cm - gemonteerd ref : "White Gold, Black Hands" van Marc Félix
1950' shamanistic 'Haida' raven charm in cetacean bone || NOORD-WESTELIJK CANADA - HAIDA-CULTUUR - ca 1950 sjamanistische amulet in mooi gepatineerd been van een zeezoogdier en in de vorm van een mythologische figuur met ravenkop en handen - hoogte : 7 cm - gemonteerd uit de collectie van Dorotheée Miller in Londen ref : "Northwest Coast Indian Shamanism and Its Art" van Allen Wardwell
A RARE CARVED BONE FIGURE OF A TIGER, SHANG DYNASTY 商代罕見臥虎形骨觿China, 11th century BC. Well carved in the round as a crouching tiger with tucked-in legs, curled tail and forward-facing head, the rib cage neatly incised, the ears pricked and eyes open in an alert expression. The bone has a superb, naturally grown, warm patina. Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Wou Kiuan. Wou Lien-Pai Museum, coll. no. E.4.13. Dr. Wou Kiuan (1910-1997) was a Chinese diplomat and noted scholar of Chinese art. His father, Wou Lien-Pai (1873-1944), was one the leading political figures of early 20th century China, remembered for his role as speaker and leader of parliament during the turbulent years of the Republican era. Dr. Wou himself embarked on an illustrious career in diplomacy until his retirement in 1952, when he settled in London and devoted the rest of his life to the study of Chinese art. It was without doubt fortuitous that Dr. Wou's years of collecting coincided with an abundant availability of exceptional Chinese art on the London market. From the mid-1950s to the late 1960s he was able to form a collection of well over 1,000 works that together represented virtually every category of Chinese art. At the heart of Dr. Wou's drive to collect was a burning desire to preserve the relics of China's rich historical past scattered across Europe, and to promote Chinese art and culture. It is unclear when Dr. Wou conceived the idea to create a place to house his collection, but in 1968, he opened the doors to the Wou Lien-Pai Museum, named in honor of his father. Over the years, the museum became a 'must see' destination for collectors, academics, and visiting dignitaries, and Dr. Wou would delight in leading his visitors through the galleries, recounting stories of China's glorious history. Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Displaying exceptionally well. Extensive wear, minor losses, chips, expected age cracks and other natural flaws in the bone, minor old repairs, signs of weathering and erosion, encrustations. Note that the patina took more than 3,000 years to develop and therefore is not only spectacular in appearance, but literally one-of-a-kind.Weight: 61.5 g Dimensions: Length 12.5 cm Bone was widely used for both practical and decorative purposes in ancient China. It was made into vessels, spoons, and personal adornments. With its coiled tail and long muzzle, this bone carving of a tiger was probably used as an amulet or talisman, protecting its wearer from harm and danger.The tiger, called hu or laohu in Chinese, is among the most recognizable of the world's charismatic megafauna. Originating in China and northern Central Asia, the tiger was known to the earliest Chinese, who likely feared, admired, and respected it for its strength, ferocity, and regal bearing. Though its precise symbolism in Shang times (c. 1600-c. 1046 BC) remains unknown, the tiger doubtless played a totemic, tutelary, or talismanic role. By the Western Han period (206 BC-AD 9) - a thousand years after this pendant was made - the tiger was regarded as the 'king of the hundred beasts', or baishou zhi wang, due to its power and ferocity and especially for the markings on its forehead which typically resemble the character wang, or 'king'. In addition, not only did the tiger figure among the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, but it gained a place among the auspicious animals that symbolize the four cardinal directions - the White Tiger, or baihu, of the west, the Azure Dragon of the east, the Vermilion Bird of the south, and the Black Tortoise of the north.Literature comparison: Compare a related bone carving of a tiger, 4.3 cm long, dated 13th-11th century BC, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1985.214.119. Compare a related bone carving of a tiger, 11.1 cm long, dated late Shang dynasty, 11th century BC, illustrated and exhibited by Eskenazi in Early Chinese Art from Private Collections, 3-25 November 2016, London.Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie's New York, 22 March 2013, lot 1192 Price: USD 30,000 or approx. EUR 36,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A rare carved bone figure of a tiger, late Shang dynasty, 11th century BCExpert remark: Compare the related pose, with similar coiled tail and long muzzle, and patina. Note the size (11.1 cm). 商代罕見臥虎形骨觿中國，公元前十一世紀。該虎為長條形，張口露齒，方眼短角，長身卷尾，四肢前屈，作伏臥狀。自然包漿，色澤溫暖。 來源：吳權博士收藏；吳權(1910-1997)博士曾是一位中國外交家以及知名中國藝術收藏家。他的父親吳蓮伯 (1873-1944)先生曾是二十世紀初中國重要政治人物，因在民國動蕩歲月中擔任國會議員及議長而聞名。1952 年，吳博士在外交領域走上了輝煌之路，直到他退休後定居倫敦，並將餘生奉獻給了對中國藝術的研究。毫無疑問，吳權博士多年的收藏，與大量中國藝術珍品現身倫敦藝術市場上時間點相呼應，這無疑是幸運的。從 1950 年代中期到 1960 年代後期，他收集了 1,000 多件藏品，涵蓋了中國藝術的每一個門類。吳博士之所以收藏，其原因主要是爲保護散落歐洲各地的中國文物與推廣中國藝術與文化。尚不清楚吳博士何時想到創建一個美術館來歸置他的收藏的，但在 1968 年，他打開了以他父親的名字命名的 吳蓮伯美術館的大門。多年來，美術館已成為收藏家、學者和來訪政要的必經之地，而吳博士總是很樂意給參觀者介紹美術館，講述中國光輝歷史的故事。 品相：品相良好，大面積磨損、輕微缺損、預期的年代裂縫和骨骼中的其他自然缺陷，輕微的小修、風化和侵蝕的跡象、結殼。請注意，包漿經過3,000 多年才形成，外觀獨特。 重量：61.5 克 尺寸：長 12.5 厘米 骨器古代出土的遺物中佔有重要地位，種類多樣，用途廣泛，製造成各種生活用器、生產工具、武器、樂器、裝飾品、雕刻藝術品和其他雜器等。 老虎被視為“百獸之王”，古時中國人就知道老虎，他們可能害怕、欽佩和尊重它的力量、兇猛和帝王般的氣度。雖然它在商代（西元前 1600 年至西元前 1046 年）的確切象徵意義仍然未知，但無疑扮演了圖騰、守護或護身符的角色。到了西漢時期（西元前 206 年 - 西元 9 年）此外，老虎不僅在十二生肖中佔有一席之地，而且在像徵四方位的吉祥動物：西方的白虎、東方的青龍，南方朱雀，北方烏龜。 文獻比較： 比較一件相近的公元前十三至十一世紀臥虎形骨觿，4.3 厘米長，收藏於大都會藝術博物館，館藏編號1985.214.119。比較一件相近的公元前十一世紀商代晚期臥虎形骨觿，11.1 厘米長，展於倫敦《Eskenazi in Early Chinese Art from Private Collections》，2016年11月3-25日。 拍賣結果比較： 形制：非常相近 拍賣：紐約佳士得，2013年3月22日， lot 1192 價格：USD 30,000（相當於今日EUR 36,000） 描述：晚商骨雕虎形把件 專家評論：比較相近的姿勢和捲曲的尾巴，以及包漿。請注意尺寸(11.1 厘米)。
Nesbit (Edith). Five Children and It, 1st edition, London: T. Fisher Unwin, 1902, forty six plates after woodcuts by H.R. Millar, tissue guard to frontispiece, ownership inscription to front free endpaper (toned), minor abrasion to extreme edge of pages 143-158, all edges red, original red cloth with gilt decoration, together with three other first editions comprising: The Story of an Amulet, 1906, The Enchanted Castle, 1907, and The Story of The Treasure Seekers, 1899, all 8vo QTY: (4)
Ten small Egyptian faience animal amulets and a gilt wood vulture amulet Late Period, circa 664-332 B.C.3cm long max. (11)Footnotes:Provenance:Bodo Bleß (1940-2022) collection, Berlin, formed from ca. 1960 onwards.Comprising two trussed cows, a scorpion, a fish, a jackal, two lions, a hare, a frog scaraboid, an ibis and a gilt wood vulture.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
An Egyptian turquoise faience amulet of Thoth as a baboon Late Period, circa 664-332 B.C.4.2cm highFootnotes:Provenance:with J.J. Klejman, New York, 1966.Property sold for the Benefit of the Mozes S. Schupf Foundation; Sotheby's, New York, 8 June 1994, lot 2. London art market.Anonymous sale; Bonhams, London, 14 May 2003, lot 37.W. Arnold Meijer collection, the Netherlands, acquired from the above sale.Published:C.A.R. Andrews and J. van Dijk, Objects for Eternity, Egyptian Antiquities from the W. Arnold Meijer Collection, Mainz, 2006, no. 3.32a, p. 224.Exhibited:Allard Pierson Museum, Archaeological Museum of the University of Amsterdam, Objecten voor de Eeuwigheid, 17 November 2006-25 March 2007.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
An Egyptian carnelian pendant of a leg Old Kingdom-First Intermediate Period, 5th-8th Dynasty, circa 2450-2025 B.C.mounted on a modern necklace, 3cm highFootnotes:Provenance:Collection of His Excellency Mamdouh Riaz Bey, Egypt; reputedly mounted by the Nasser Brothers, Cairo, 1950s.Anonymous sale; Piasa, Paris, 28 September 2004, lot 552.W. Arnold Meijer collection, the Netherlands, acquired at the above sale.Cf. an example in the Art Institute of Chicago, acc. no. 1894.861 and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, acc. no. 10.130.2355. Amulets of hands and feet were most commonly worn in bracelets and anklets, as they were thought to protect the limbs of their wearers. The use of carnelian, evoking blood, brought power and vitality to the amulet.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Nine Egyptian hardstone amulets New Kingdom-Late Period, circa 1550-332 B.C.4.5cm-1.5cm long (9)Footnotes:Provenance:Bodo Bleß (1940-2022) collection, Berlin, formed from ca. 1960 onwards.Comprising a granodiorite obelisk amulet and a granodiorite wedjat eye amulet, two double ostrich plume amulets, a carpenter's plummet, a small heart amulet, a carnelian snake head, a red jasper poppy head, and a horizontal charm case (cf. W. M. Flinders Petrie, Amulets, London, 1914, pl. XIX, no. 133k).This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
An Egyptian turquoise faience amulet of Thoth as a baboon Third Intermediate Period, circa 1069-664 B.C.4.2cm highFootnotes:Provenance:Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 10 July 1987, lot 73.Leo Mildenberg (1913-2001) collection, Zurich.A Peaceful Kingdom, The Leo Mildenberg Collection of Ancient Animals; Christie's, London, 26-27 October 2004, lot 141.W. Arnold Meijer collection, the Netherlands, acquired at the above sale.Published:A.P. Kozloff, Animals in Ancient Art: from the Leo Mildenberg Collection, Cleveland, 1981, no. 98.C.A.R. Andrews and J. van Dijk, Objects for Eternity, Egyptian Antiquities from the W. Arnold Meijer Collection, Mainz, 2006, no. 3.32b, p. 224.Exhibited:Allard Pierson Museum, Archaeological Museum of the University of Amsterdam, Objecten voor de Eeuwigheid, 17 November 2006-25 March 2007.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. Olive-green glazed composition amulet with triad of deities: Isis and Nephthys wearing their usual headdresses, flanking Harpocrates with his side-lock; all three with hands joined; ribbed suspension loop above. Cf. Petrie, W.M.F., Amulets. Illustrated by the Egyptian Collection in University College, London, 1914, pl.XXVII, no.152b, for a similar example. 45 grams, 62 mm (2 3/8 in.).Part of an old collection dating back to the 19th century. Ex property of a gentleman, acquired before the 1980s. Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website]
Circa 6th-8th century A.D. Of capsule form, possibly an amulet case; openwork filigree body and domed terminals with apex granules with filigree collars; three suspension loops above, each with a filigree collar. 0.76 grams, 15 mm (5/8 in.).From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
9th-10th century A.D. or earlier. Formed as a gold cap set with polished agate gem; suspension loop above. 0.93 grams, 18 mm (3/4 in.).Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock. 'Elfshot' described sudden shooting pains localised to a particular area of the body, such as in rheumatism, arthritis or muscle stitches or cramps. Elves were thought to shoot darts or arrows where such pains had no obvious external cause. Belief in elfshot persisted into the 20th century in rural areas, and as proof country folk would sometimes find small arrowheads (the remains of Neolithic or Mesolithic flints, or naturally-occurring spear-shaped stones) that were believed to be the magical weapons that caused the afflictions. Belief in elfshot began in the Pagan Germanic period.
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. Modelled in the round with suspension loop to the reverse, with double crown and sidelock of youth. Cf. similar in the collection of the British Museum under accession no.EA64633. 40.2 grams, 71 mm (2 3/4 in.).Acquired from a private UK collection in the late 1990s. Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK.Harpocrates is the Greek rendering of the Egyptian Hor-pa-khered, which translates as 'Horus the Child' and refers to Horus as the divine infant of Isis and Osiris. Wearing the amulet of Harpocrates could provide the wearer with the same protection that Isis gave to her beloved son.
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. Deep green glazed composition amulet of the wedjat. See Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, p.43-4, for discussion. 4.02 grams, 26 mm (1 in.).From the private collection of Julian Bird, London, UK. Ex Den of Antiquity, Cambridgeshire, UK. Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK. Accompanied by a previous dealer's certificate of authenticity.
Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C. The large architectural amulet, rectangular in section with base and scarab finial; the narrow sides each with a high-relief standing figure, both holding a flail, wearing a royal nemes headdress and solar disc; the wider sides each with a facing male figure within a naos surmounted by a smaller facing figure, one Harpocrates holding a snake, the other Bes(?) with a high-plumed headress; repaired. See Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, for discussion. 100 grams, 95 mm (3 3/4 in.).Ex property of a London gentleman; acquired in the 1970s. Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK.The presence of Harpocrates holding a snake and possibly Bes, suggests that this functioned as a cippus amulet offering protection and with curative properties.
New Kingdom, 1550-1070 B.C. Comprising: black bunch of grapes; red date; blue palmette frond; white daisy rosette. Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, pl.65 (a, f, j, n). 1.51 grams, 12-16 mm (1/2 - 5/8 in.).From the M.S. Ciappara collection, 1930s-1950s; and the flower amulet from a UK collection, 19202-1940s. Ex Den of Antiquity, Cambridgeshire, UK, and Ancient Art, London N14, UK. Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK. Accompanied by two previous dealer's certificates of authenticity. [4]
2nd millennium B.C. Composed of bone, stone and ceramic objects: a fragmentary alabastron; a lion head stamp; a possible amulet of axehead form showing carved detailing; bone implement; the lower half of a carved bone figure, and other items. 449 grams total, 3.9-12.5 cm (1 1/2 - 5 in.).Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998. [8, No Reserve] For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. With feet resting on a rectangular base, forefinger on the lips, prominent sidelock of youth. Cf. similar in the collection of the British Museum under accession no.EA64633. 30.7 grams, 68 mm (2 5/8 in.).Ex Brigantia, York, UK, item no.12040. Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK. Accompanied by a previous dealer's certificate of authenticity.Harpocrates is the Greek rendering of the Egyptian Hor-pa-khered, which translates as 'Horus the Child'. This refers to Horus as the divine infant of Isis and Osiris. Wearing the amulet of Harpocrates could provide the wearer with the same protection that Isis gave to her beloved son.
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. Olive-green glazed composition amulet with ribbed panel, flared base; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. similar in the collection of the British Museum under accession no.EA58105. 78 grams total, 12.5 cm high including stand (5 in.).Ex Phillipps collection, with old labels to verso. Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK.The djed pillar signifies the concepts of 'permanence' and 'stability' and was a common funerary amulet from the Old Kingdom onwards. It was first associated with the gods Ptah and Sokar, but later became a symbol of Osiris, representing the god's backbone. In this context, the djed pillar appears in Chapter 155 of the Book of the Dead, concerned with the resurrection of the deceased.
9th-10th century A.D. or earlier. Formed as a gold cap with rounded claws, set with polished glass gem; integral suspension loop with a later jump ring. 0.64 grams, 21 mm (3/4 in.).From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock. 'Elfshot' described sudden shooting pains localised to a particular area of the body, such as in rheumatism, arthritis or muscle stitches or cramps. Elves were thought to shoot darts or arrows where such pains had no obvious external cause. Belief in elfshot persisted into the 20th century in rural areas, and as proof country folk would sometimes find small arrowheads (the remains of Neolithic or Mesolithic flints, or naturally-occurring spear-shaped stones) that were believed to be the magical weapons that caused the afflictions. Belief in elfshot began in the Pagan Germanic period.
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. Comprising: two biconical beads; a Wedjat eye amulet with low-relief detailing; a standing Anubis amulet, pierced through the dorsal pillar; and an Amun-Min amulet, pierced behind the headdress for suspension. 8.6 grams total, 23-30 mm (7/8 - 1 17/8 in.).UK private collection. Acquired from Helios Gallery, Wiltshire, UK, 2011. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman. [5, No Reserve]
A TURKOMAN TEKKE TRIBAL SILVER AND FIRE GILDED CARNELIAN AMULET PENDANT, KUMUSCH-DOGA, 19/20TH CENTURY. A central cylindrical container from Koran prayer sheets or pages above a row of bell pendants. With material once use to hang around the neck.Provenance: With receipt from The Read Molteno Gallery Hampshire, stating the pieces were acquired in N.Afghanistan in the early 1980s and sold in 1995. 26cm length. Loss of two drop bells. Wear to material.
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