Lot 112
**Originally Listed At $450**
Ancient Egypt, Third Intermediate to Late Dynastic Period, 21st to 31st Dynasty, ca. 1069 to 332 BCE. A remarkable faience ring that features a mold made aegis and gilt with 71.06% (equivalent to 17K+) gold. The front of the aegis features a bust of a deity - the surface is soft and the finer details are indiscernible to determine the god or goddess, but a conical headdress sits atop the head, and lappets from the regal headdress rest upon the shoulders, and beneath is a wesekh broad collar intended to emulate the front of a shield. The aegis is attached to one area of a wide ring band and the surface of the faience is embellished with a blue-green glaze, as well as gold! Areas of the precious gilt remain in patches along the shank, adding a brilliant glimmer to the ancient ring. Imagine how exquisite the ensemble would be when entirely coated in gold! Size (ring): 0.85" Diameter (2.2 cm); (aegis): 0.55" L x 0.37" W (1.4 cm x 0.9 cm); (opening): 0.58" Diameter (1.5 cm); US ring size: 2.5; gold gilt quality: 71.06% (equivalent to 17K+)
According to author Manfred Lurker, "The imprecise term 'aegis' refers to a collar-like necklace which was regarded as a symbol of protection. In the Book of the Dead there is a spell for the 'collar of gold which is placed around the neck of the transfigured spirit on the day of burial'. These collars are often decorated with the head of a falcon or a uraeus. The placing in position of the collar is a symbolic expression for being encompassed by the arms of the god . . . Jewellery collars with the head of a god or goddess are also called an aegis. On the lids of mummy cases and stone sarcophagi instead of a collar there can appear a representation of a vulture with outstretched wings which has the same meaning; the sarcophagus of Tuthmosis I is an example." (Lurker, Manfred. "The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Egypt: An Illustrated Dictionary." Thames & Hudson, London, 1986, p. 24)
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#141841
- Condition: Facial details of aegis are soft and indiscernible. The shank is intact with remains of gold gilt along exterior of band. While the band is intact, we recommend wearing as a pendant rather than a ring to preserve the remaining gilt and due to the age and fragility of the faience. Minor mineral and earthen encrustations and fading to blue glaze.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |