Description:

Ancient Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, Dynasties 26 through 30, ca. 662 to 315 BCE. An alluring and rare pair of arched deep blue faience eye rims with extended cosmetic lines, inlaid with white, grey, and black glass eyes. Deep blue faience lines form eyebrows above these eyes. Size of one eye: 2.45" W x 0.95" H (6.2 cm x 2.4 cm); 3.2" H (8.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Eyes were an incredibly important part of ancient Egyptian funerary accoutrement. For example, the eyes on sarcophagi could be complimented by paintings of eyes as well, often alongside the symbol for eternity. Eyes provided a window to the outside world for the mummy inside to see. The ancient Egyptian religion required its practitioners to purchase and use a tremendous amount of items for protection in death, and because these items - like these fine, expensive eyes - were usually made by priests, this enriched the priesthood and temples, who were hugely powerful in Egyptian society.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#136323

  • Condition: Losses to the faience around one eye. Some surface cracks on the glass, notably on the left eye. Patina on faience and glass surfaces with some light encrustation.

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August 2, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$200,000 + $25,000