Description:

Ancient Egypt, Middle Kingdom, 13th Dynasty, ca. 1803 to 1649 BCE. A fine scarab amulet of an ovoid form, hand-carved from a pale-beige steatite. The scarab exhibits a folded wing carapace, a short head, spindly legs curled beneath its body, and a lengthwise, biconically-drilled suspension hole on the topside. The bottom presents an intricately-engraved standing image of Bes, the dwarf deity who was the protector of members of a household, particularly the women and children. Bes is defined by a rotund abdomen, delineated genitalia hanging between bent legs, hands held at his hips, and an expressive countenance surrounded by a bushy beard which is often interpreted as a lion's mane. Custom wooden display stand and putty imprint included. Size: 1.25" L x 0.9" W (3.2 cm x 2.3 cm); 3.1" H (7.9 cm) on included custom stand.

For a stylistically-similar example, please see The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, item code ICMS_IMJ_337815: http://www.museumsinisrael.gov.il/en/items/Pages/ItemCard.aspx?IdItem=ICMS_IMJ_337815

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Richard Wagner collection, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, acquired in the 1960s

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#143473

  • Condition: Minor abrasions and nicks to top and bottom of scarab, with light softening to some finer details, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits throughout.

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February 21, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000