Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters, Antiquities, Ceremonial Objects & Graphic Art
Mar 9, 2018
(Your local time)
USA
242 West 30th Street, 12th Floor, New York NY 10001
Terms of sale
View demo
Time in New York: 3 pm
Time in Israel: 10 pm
The auction has ended
|
LOT 307:
(EGYPTIAN SCARAB IN GOLD RING)
|
|
|
Estimated price:
$
8,000 - $10,000
Auction house commission:
25%
VAT: On commission only
|
An ancient Egyptian inscribed steatite scarab set in a gold swivel ring. Width: 1 1/8 inches (3 cm). Intact and wearable.
New Kingdom - Late Dynastic Period, 1570-332 BCE.
The ancient Egyptians believed the Scarabeus Beetle was able to spontaneously regenerate itself from cow dung, which these beetles can be observed rolling into small balls and burying. Consequently the scarab came to symbolize a spontaneous continuation of the life cycle. These finely carved amulets were worn in life and in necklaces around the mummy. Often the bases were inscribed with symbols or "words of power," intended to magically invigorate the wearer.
This item was also used as a signet ring. The Torah states that Pharaoh gave Yosef, his Minister-to be, his signet ring (Beraishith 41:42); also in the Book of Esther, King Achashveirosh gave Haman his signet ring (Esther 3:10).
