A GRANITE SCARAB, LATE PERIOD

拍品描述

A GRANITE SCARAB, LATE PERIOD This lot is from a single owner collection and is therefore offered without reserve Egypt, 664-332 BC. Naturalistically carved from fine-grained granite, the scarab depicts a dung beetle, the convex dorsal surface is subtly ridged to indicate the elytra, while the legs and head are defined in low relief along the sides. The opaque stone exhibits a natural gray-and-white veining. Important Note: For essential information on the Jorgen Ruben Gallery Ledger and provenance documentation please visit here: www.zacke.at/rubencollection_ledger Dimensions: Length 1.5 cm The ancient Egyptians believed that the dung beetle, the Scarabaeus sacer, was one of the manifestations of the sun god Ra. Representations of these beetles were used as amulets, and for ritual or administrative purposes. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related granite scarab with the underside similary decorated as the underside of a beetle, 2.1 cm long, in the British Museum, registration number .3454. Compare a closely related granite scarab, dated to Dynasty 26, 1.8 cm long, in the British Museum, registration number 1946,1204.610. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s London, 14 April 2011, lot 91 Price: GBP 4,750 or approx. EUR 8,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the related form, carving manner, dating, and subject. Note the different material and larger size (4.4 cm).

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