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Lot 21
An Egyptian Faience Female FigureMiddle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty, 1991-1783 B.C.Height 5 1/8 inches (13.02 cm).Property from a Private Florida CollectionProvenance:The Merrin Gallery, New York, 1990s.Acquired by the current owner from the above. Exhibited: Cincinnati, Ohio, Mistress of the House, Mistress of Heaven: Women in Ancient Egypt. Cincinnati Art Museum, 20 October 1996 - 5 January 1997. Brooklyn, New York, Mistress of the House, Mistress of Heaven: Women in Ancient Egypt. Brooklyn Museum of Art, 21 February 2007 - 18 May 2007. Published:A.K. Capel et al., Mistress of the House, Mistress of Heaven: Women in Ancient Egypt (Exhibition Catalogue), Vermont, 1996, p. 65, no. 13.Note:This fetish object belongs to a group of female figures now thought of as Khener-dancers, and is one of the best known examples in private hands. These dancers played an important role in rituals to Hathor, the goddess of music, dance, love, fertility, and resurrection. First discovered in tombs from the Middle Kingdom dating to the 12th Dynasty, these female figures were initially interpreted as "brides of the dead" or concubines. Like the wooden paddle dolls that precede them, over the last century these more naturalistic sculptures have been discovered near temples and domestic dwellings leading to an expanded interpretation of their significance.Molded and glazed in blue faience with black details, this figure's sensual curves and bright color conveys sexuality and vitality which are inherent qualities of the goddess Hathor. Her upper body is narrow with arms straight and a close-cropped coiffure, while the lower half is swollen with truncated legs and an exaggerated pubic-triangle. The object's overall shape echoes that of a menat, a sacred symbol of Hathor. The crown of the head is drilled with delicate holes for the insertion of real hair, and the numerous dots and dashes across her thighs and stomach symbolize tattoos. These, too, personify attributes of Hathor. In ancient Egypt, hair was seen as a symbol of resurrection for its ability to regenerate after being cut, and lozenge patterned tattoos were exclusively used by women who wished to amplify their sexual appeal.The figure is essentially in the nude wearing nothing more than jewelry. Yet even her jewelry and blue skin continue to emphasis fecundity. The hip chain around the waist represents cowrie shells-a vaginal symbol-and the menat necklace with counterpoise around the neck is worn to foster fruitfulness and good health. Called tjehnet by the ancient Egyptians, meaning that which is brilliant or scintillating, faience was often used to describe the attractiveness of a woman's skin. Indeed, from the Instructions of Ptahhotep, the vizier emphasizes the power of seduction by warning "do not be taken by a woman with a body of tjehnet."(R. Bianchi, Gifts of the Nile, p. 25) This exquisite figure embodies the enchanting beauty and fruitfulness that could seduce all who lay their eyes upon her. For comparative examples, see E.F. Morris, Paddle Dolls and Performance. Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt, 47, 2011, pp. 71€“103; F. Friedman et al, Gifts of the Nile: Ancient Egyptian Faience (Exhibition Catalogue), New York, 1998, p. 104, and W.C. Hayes, The Scepter of Egypt: A Background for the Study of the Egyptian Antiquities in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1990, p. 221.
Lot 98
A Byzantine Gold Necklace with Molded Green Glass CameoCirca 5th-6th Century A.D. Length with chain 10 3/8 inches (26.5 cm); Length of cameo 1 inch (2.5 cm).Property from a New Jersey Private CollectionProvenance:Art Market, Germany, 1980s.Fortuna Fine Arts, Ltd., New York.Private Collection, New York, acquired in 1996.Christie's, New York, Ancient Jewelry: Wearable Art, 29 November- 8 December 2016, Lot 32.Note:This cameo depicts the Virgin Orans with an inscription above her head in Greek letters translating to, "Mother of God."Intact. Mounted as a pendant in a modern gold setting with a woven gold chain. The lower right edge of the cameo lost, possibly a casting flaw. Very minor chips to the edges on the reverse; minor wear and iridescence throughout. Overall in very fine, attractive, and stable condition. Length with chain 10 3/8 inches (26.5 cm). 22k gold.
Lot 317
A Well Constructed Wooden Model of a Fairground 'Over Boat' Ride (Similar to a Swing boat), two sections each with two boats, fitted with a chain and gearing for power operation but no motor fitted; finished in yellow with blue and red decoration plus a sign board for 'J and D Knott of Llandrindod Wells', in fair condition and would benefit from TLC (no repair), overall size 22 x 17 x 18 inch high.
Lot 429
Selection of vintage militaria and other collectables including two pairs of spurs, WW2 period cutting saw on articulated link chain, anti gas Mk II eyeshields, commemorative medals, axe head, two tins pipe tobacco with contents, engineer lensatic compass, W.B. & Co sealed biscuit tin unopened with original contents and a Bukta spirit stove
Lot 69
9ct gold curb link watch chain or Albert guard with 9ct gold Masonic fob and another, 38.1g gross. Good condition, 34.2g without non-gold fobLinks - '375' and '9'T bar - '375', Birmingham, '9', Lawson Ward and Garomage LtdDog clips - 375,9, maker B and S.One fob, unmarkedOther fob - Nathan Brother, 375, Birmingham, 9, 1849.36cm long.
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