Egyptian Decorative Objects

Exceptionally Fine Wooden Sarcophagus Mask Third Intermediate Period, 21st Dynasty, circa 1069-945 BC. Acacia wood, rosewood, hippopotamus ivory Masterfully carved from a single piece of fine-grained hardwood, the present mask is characteristic of the most exquisite funerary art made during the 21st Dynasty, and was probably commissioned for a particularly high-ranking individual. The oval face displays a gently smiling mouth with full, outlined lips, furrows at the corners and a bow-shaped philtrum. The straight nose with rounded nostrils, the cheeks full and fleshy and the large, almond shaped eyes with heavy lids and tapering cosmetic lines, set below long, sweeping eyebrows. Social collapse across the Mediterranean in the Late Bronze Age meant that the 21st Dynasty in Egypt was a period of great turmoil. Trade routes were disrupted, governments collapsed, and mass migration occurred. Economic scarcity meant that traditional funerary practices in Egypt were also affected, with a lack of material and financial resources leading to the reuse of preexisting material. As a result, during the 21st Dynasty, 19th and 20th Dynasty coffins changed ownership rapidly and were heavily recycled for new purposes. Tombs were also unmarked allowing them to be shared by many people. These new practices brought forth a shift in the understanding of funerary paraphernalia. No longer important objects owned forever by the deceased, they were now simply seen as short-term transformative devices, whose symbolic and ritualistic meaning could be appropriated for others. However, paradoxically, the art of coffin-making also reached new heights during this period, and many of the richly dec- orated “yellow” coffins, characteristic of the 21st Dynasty, are remarkable works of art in their own right. Indeed, knowing that coffins were being reused throughout Egypt, the Egyptian élite set themself apart by commissioning lavish sarcophagi decorated with the images and texts meant to help guide them to the afterlife, and which would otherwise have adorned the tomb walls. As coffins were the chief funerary element which now identified the dead and allowed them a physical presence in the world of the living, their quality and appearance were of the utmost importance. The traditional coffin ensemble was made of three parts: a wooden mummy cover, which laid directly atop the mummy, an inner coffin, and an outer coffin, both made of a lid and case. Additional decorative elements, such as masks, were carved out separately and later glued or pegged to the lids. After the completion of the painted decoration, the sarcophagus was covered in a varnish to give it its yellow colour. Gilding was sometimes used for the coffins of the high priests’ families, notably on parts representing naked skin, such as the face mask. However, some of the élite tactically avoided gilding altogether as to ensure that their coffin would not be looted. When manufacturing the inner and outer coffins, particular attention was paid to the woodwork. Displaying the skill of the carpenter, this type of funerary art has largely remained unparalleled throughout Egyptian history. The principal wood used to craft the present mask is Acacia nilotica. The evergreen Egyptian acacia was considered sacred and said to be the tree of life, the birthplace of the god Horus, as well as symbolic of Osiris, the god of the dead and resurrection. The modelling of the face in the wood is superb, but the inlays also help mark this mask out as exceptional. Inlaid eyes and eyebrows were extremely rare and reserved to the finest and most expensive coffins. Traditionally, eyes were made of calcite, obsidian, or quartz, and eyebrows of coloured glass paste or bronze. Here, the pupils, eyebrows, and cosmetic lines are inlaid with Dalbergia melanoxylon, a rare type of wood which belongs to the rosewood genus. In antiquity, however, it was known as Ebony of the Pharaohs, from the Egyptian word “hbny”, meaning dark timber, because of its black, lustrous appearance. An extremely dense and hard wood requiring significant skill to work with, ebony was a luxury material highly coveted by the pharaohs themselves, to make furniture, decorative and funerary objects. The wood was imported with great effort from the southern Land of Punt, most likely modern Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Eritrea, alongside other luxury goods such as gold and ivory. A magnificent ebony throne, recovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamun, illustrates the incredible aesthetic potential of this material and why it was so highly valued by Egyptian royalty. Only élite members of Egyptian society could have afford- ed Ebony of the Pharaoh inlays for their funerary mask. The sclerae on the present piece were once both inlaid with hippopotamus ivory. Whiter than elephant ivory, this type of ivory is also denser, and more difficult to carve. The use of this luxury material, reputed for its gleaming appearance, enhances the lifelikeness of the eyes. For the Egyptians, hippopotamus ivory was imbued with magic powers. The hippopotamus was indeed both feared and venerated due to its aggressive behaviour. Whilst the male hippopotamus was associated with danger and chaos, the female was benevolent and invoked for protection, especially of the house and of mothers and their children, through the hippopotamus goddess Tawaret. Thus, not only was hippopotamus ivory used as an inlay and to make practical objects, such as combs and clappers, but it was also used to make talismans like apotropaic wands or knives. Made during a time of scarcity where few could afford made-to-order coffins, the present mask could have only belonged to one of the highest-ranking individuals in society. Undoubtedly one of the finest Egyptian coffin...

Set of 2 Art Glass Egyptian Perfume Bottles 1980s. Handcrafted Egyptian art glass gilt glass perfume bottle. Egyptian perfume bottles set of two hand blown colorful decorative multic...

An ancient Egyptian stone vessel/jar, Old Kingdom, 2600-2800 BCE. This is an original lime stone jar from the time of the pyramid builders, these vessels where hand carved with the u...

A pair of monumental limestone sphinxes of Pharaoh Nectanebo I, from the processional avenue of the Serapeum of Memphis, 30th Dynasty, circa 379 - 360 BC. The sphinxes of the Serapeum have captivated travellers since Roman times. However, despite their significance, they are conspicuously absent from the collections of most major museums. Indeed, their existence in private hands is so improbable, and their imitations so numerous, that the present sphinxes were assumed to be modern copies throughout their recent ownership history. Finally recognised and conserved after an extraordinary chance discovery at a garden furniture sale...

PRESENTING a very RARE Early 19C (or possibly even earlier) Ornate Middle Eastern Bronze Bin. We are of the opinion that this large bin/bucket/planter or water pail is from the very...

Alabaster cylindrical vase Egyptian style, 20th century. A planar base and lightly flared accentuated with a segmented, cord-patterned ring in relief, all ...

Carcharodontosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth in a glass display box From Tegana Formation, North Africa. Cretaceous Age 65 million years Carcharodontosaurus is one of the longest and heavi...

19th century hand carved alabaster storage jar in the ancient Egyptian Late Dynastic style, with tapering neck topped by a wide everted rim. Great evocative decorative piece for the ...

Carcharodontosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth in a glass display box From Tegana Formation, North Africa. Cretaceous Age 65 million years Carcharodontosaurus is one of the longest and heavi...

Carcharodontosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth in a glass display box From Tegana Formation, North Africa. Cretaceous Age 65 million years Carcharodontosaurus is one of the longest and heavi...

This type of Egyptian Vessel was carved from a very hard stone using a simple drill and was most likely used for the storage of ointment or liquids. The small lug handles allowed the...

Egyptian Scarab Brass Beetle Figurine on stone stand after the Egyptian Museum antiquities.A unique and beautiful addition to any Egyptian Art Deco collection. This Vintage solid cast brass Egyptian scarab beetle sculpture figurine on a black stone stand could be used as a paperweight or just as a collectible Egyptian Museum decorative piece of history. The beautiful all-over antique patina of the bronze shows its age and history, adding character and depth to the piece. This Egyptian revival bronze scarab is a striking collector's item and a testament to the fascination with Egyptian culture timeless design and historical significance make it a valid addition to any collection. Dimensions: Height: 2 in Width: 3 in Depth: 2.25 in. About the Scarab in ancient Egypt: The scarab beetle held significant cultural, religious, and symbolic importance. The scarab beetle, also known as the dung beetle, played a central role in Egyptian mythology and daily life. Here are some key aspects of the scarab beetle beliefs in ancient Egypt: 1) Symbol of regeneration and rebirth: The scarab beetle was associated with the concept of regeneration and rebirth. This connection was primarily observed in the insect's behavior of rolling balls of dung in which it laid its eggs. Egyptians saw parallels between this process and the sun god Ra's daily journey across the sky, disappearing at night and re-emerging in the morning. 2) Representation of the sun god Ra: The scarab beetle became a symbol for the sun god Ra, who was one of the most important deities in the Egyptian pantheon. The rolling of the dung ball by the beetle was likened to Ra's journey across the sky, and amulets in the shape of scarabs were often worn as protective charms. 3) Protective amulets and jewelry: Scarab beetles were popular motifs in ancient Egyptian jewelry...

Egyptian head of a man, carved granite. 18th Dynasty, circa 1550-1292 B.C. Carved in beautiful dark granite, this head depicts an elite individual, perha...

Secure and display your favorite books with this beautiful Oak Wood Book End! Hand-crafted from natural oak wood, this book end is both durable and attr...

Antique large Middle Eastern Egyptian hand-etched and repousse Mameluke style brass bowl. Could be used as a jardinière, cache pot for a large orchids composition. Engraved and hand-...

Large Hand Chased & Enameled Egyptomania Brass Jardinière/ Planter Egypt, 1930s A magnificent Large Hand Chased & Enameled Egyptomania Brass Jardinière/Planter from Egypt, after the...

This captivating authentic Egyptian Faience set was realized in ancient Egypt circa 3100 BCE. It offers two sarcophagus figurines- suggestive of miniature versions of King Tut's tomb- hand finished in a beautiful turquoise hue (a glaze created by pulverizing the stone into pigment). Additionally, the set features two figurines (one representative of the Egyptian god Anubis), and the other seemingly a depiction of one of the ruler's as a young child also in a turquoise glaze atop volumetric rhombus plinths with tapered sides in a refined terra cotta hue. Full of historical importance (and stunning as stand alone objects) this collection of Egyptian antiquities...

This two-headed Egyptian sphinx is constructed of solid wood. The wood has been treated to take on a sandy, almost marble, finish. Unlike the Greek sph...

This huge, Museum-quality Mesosaurus tooth is genuine, completely intact with no repairs and in pristine condition. This incredible specimen includes a display box for preservation a...

Carcharodontosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth in a glass display box From Tegana Formation, North Africa. Cretaceous Age 65 million years Carcharodontosaurus is one of the longest and heavi...

A beautiful polished green malachite decorative box with a lid. Brought from a trip to Egypt in the 1970s, this piece will be fabulous on a nightstand or coffee table. Dimensions...

This huge, Museum-quality Spinosaur foot claw is genuine, completely in tact with no repairs and in prestine condition. This incredible specimen includes a display box for preservati...

This huge, Museum-quality Spinosaur foot claw is genuine, completely in tact with no repairs and in prestine condition. This incredible specimen includes a display box for preservati...

A Rare Islamic Large Porphyry Mortar With ‘stylised’ lobes and pouring spout Old fissures and break Porphyry, iron ring to base Egypt 13th / 14th Century SIZE: 18cm high, 32.5...

Canopus Jar "Asmet", With certificate of authenticity. 1069 - 664 B.C, Egypt. Good condition. Egyptian culture are "Canopus jars". These were vessels ...

A finely modelled pale turquoise glazed Ushabti, Circa 26th Dynasty 664-525BC Provenance: Sotheby’s London Lot 76 14/12/1981 for 725.00 Pounds sterling as part of a group lot.

A beautifully crafted statue of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh, I believe it is Ramses the 2nd however I am not completely sure. The statue appears to be made of copper or white metal. ...

Egyptian copper & silver cache pot in an aged coppery finish that features attention to detail. The fine silver inlay work in the style of artisans fr...

Introducing our Reclaimed Frames, crafted from railway sleepers that date back to the 1850s! Our design experts have given this wood a new purpose, creating a timeless piece that is ...

Our Oak Frames are a perfect blend of modern style and functionality. Crafted from eco-friendly oak and mahogany wood, this stunning piece is designed to stand the test of time. Enha...

Large Middle Eastern Islamic finely hand-etched brass memorial footed bowl decorated with medallions with Islamic calligraphy inscriptions and scene of wild animals. Moorish style he...

Introducing our Reclaimed Frames, crafted from railway sleepers that date back to the 1850s! Our design experts have given this wood a new purpose, creating a timeless piece that is ...

Our Oak Frames are a perfect blend of modern style and functionality. Crafted from eco-friendly oak and mahogany wood, this stunning piece is designed to stand the test of time. Enha...

Nana's is an incredible work of art! Flowing lines of wood and the glimmer of exotic Italian mosaics create a stunningly unique piece that will bring an unparalleled level of beauty ...

Our Oak Frames are a perfect blend of modern style and functionality. Crafted from eco-friendly oak and mahogany wood, this stunning piece is designed to stand the test of time. Enha...

Libyan Desert Glass is a substance found in areas in the eastern Sahara, in the deserts of eastern Libya and western Egypt. Fragments of desert glass can be found over areas of tens ...

Introducing our Reclaimed Frames, crafted from railway sleepers that date back to the 1850s! Our design experts have given this wood a new purpose, creating a timeless piece that is ...

Introducing our Reclaimed Frames, crafted from railway sleepers that date back to the 1850s! Our design experts have given this wood a new purpose, creating a timeless piece that is ...

Libyan Desert Glass is a substance found in areas in the eastern Sahara, in the deserts of eastern Libya and western Egypt. Fragments of desert glass can be found over areas of tens ...

Libyan Desert Glass is a substance found in areas in the eastern Sahara, in the deserts of eastern Libya and western Egypt. Fragments of desert glass can be found over areas of tens ...

Libyan Desert Glass is a substance found in areas in the eastern Sahara, in the deserts of eastern Libya and western Egypt. Fragments of desert glass can be found over areas of tens ...

Libyan Desert Glass is a substance found in areas in the eastern Sahara, in the deserts of eastern Libya and western Egypt. Fragments of desert glass can be found over areas of tens ...

An ancient burial mask that was created to adorn a sarcophagus, 26th Dynasty, Minia, Mid-Upper Nile, circa 900-600BCE, from the collection of Joanna Barnes and Jack Warner, (Warner B...

Libyan Desert Glass is a substance found in areas in the eastern Sahara, in the deserts of eastern Libya and western Egypt. Fragments of desert glass can be found over areas of tens ...

Middle Eastern Mosaic wood box with Inlays of bone and mother of Pearl, C. 1950s Exquisite handcrafted Egyptian decorative wood box with mosaic ...

A decorative alabaster bottle, hand-crafted in Luxor, Egypt. A bottom opening allows the piece to be used as a lamp or screen for low-intensity lights (professional conversion recomm...

Libyan Desert Glass is a substance found in areas in the eastern Sahara, in the deserts of eastern Libya and western Egypt. Fragments of desert glass can be found over areas of tens ...

Libyan Desert Glass is a substance found in areas in the eastern Sahara, in the deserts of eastern Libya and western Egypt. Fragments of desert glass can be found over areas of tens ...

This vintage carved stone ram amulet is handcrafted from a genuine pale green jade stone. This small jade ram sculpture, ram or sheep horned animal sculpture measure about 4 inches, it represent the Egyptian god Khnum. This Egyptian stone...

Grand Tour carving of Horus, ancient Egyptian god in the form of a falcon. Quite possibly much earlier in date, that is beyond my expertise. From a collection that did have ancient p...

Large exquisite handcrafted Middle Eastern Egyptian mosaic marquetry sadeli inlaid wood jewelry box. Dome chest intricately decorated with Moorish motif des...

19th Century Middle Eastern Moorish brass repousse bowl, finely hand-etched, engraved, hammered and chased with elaborate Moorish Syrian designs decorated with medallions of Arabic c...

An alabaster vase, hand-crafted in Luxor, Egypt. Two pieces, with a bottom opening at the base. It allows the piece to be used as a lamp or screen for low-intensity lights (professio...

A rare and ancient Mamluk period Islamic handblown glass mosque lamp, Egypt or Syria, early 1500's. The lamp of diminutive form & having a flared neck with Islamic calligraphy, the g...

A late 18th century grand tour era Egyptian marble sphinx. Sphinx is sitting on attached black marble base.

Set of Coptic fabric remains in Egyptian cotton from the 8th or 9th century A.C. That were found in an excavation work in the 19th century. The fabrics are hand painted. They are in ...

Antique Islamic silver calligraphy damascened copper jewelry box with hinged lid. Copper is finely hand hammered into a wonderful texture. Interior fully...

Early Large Egyptian Terracotta Pot Fragment with Arms An early piece, perhaps earlier than 19th Century. Purchased in France as originally from E...