A RARE OCHRE-GLAZED STEATITE SCARAB SEAL, EARLY DYNASTY XVIII

拍品描述

A RARE OCHRE-GLAZED STEATITE SCARAB SEAL, EARLY DYNASTY XVIII This lot is from a single owner collection and is therefore offered without reserve Egypt, circa 1550-1480 BC. Oval in form, the domed carapace clearly defined, as is the stylized head. The fossiliferous limestone of an appealing ochre-caramel hue suffused with dark mottling. The amulet is pierced horizontally for suspension. The base finely engraved with the nbty design, composed of a schematic Red Crown of Lower Egypt and floral bud framed above and below by neb-basket signs, within an oval border. Important Note: For essential information on the Jorgen Ruben Gallery Ledger and provenance documentation please visit here: www.zacke.at/rubencollection_ledger Dimensions: Length 1.8 cm The ancient Egyptians believed that the dung beetle, the Scarabaeus sacer, was one of the manifestations of the sun god. Representations of these beetles were used as amulets, and for ritual or administrative purposes. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related yellow glazed steatite scarab, inscribed with the prenomen of Amenhotep II, dated to Dynasty 18, 2 cm long, in the British Museum, registration number 1946,1204.243. Compare a related turquoise glazed steatite scarab similarly engraved with the nbty design, dated early Dynasty 18, 1.3 cm long, in the Isreal Museum, Jerusalem, accession number 76.31.3623.

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