Faience is a glazed ceramic known for producing bright colours, especially blues, turquoises and greens. It is produced from quartz or sand crystals mixed with other compounds, finished with a vitreous alkaline glaze to the surface. Faience glimmers in the light and was believed by the Egyptians to represent rebirth and immortality. During the Predynastic period only green and blue faience occurred. However, from the Old Kingdom onwards alternative colours such as black, yellow and red were added to the palette. It was used to create a wide range of items, from beads and amulets, to bowls and cups. Due to its mass production it was also used frequently to imitate more expensive materials, for example turquoise faience to semi-precious turquoise. The idea in doing so meant that apotropaic values associated with a particular colour were still represented by the imitating faience. This being said, the values were not necessarily connected to the material alone. Faience mummy masks, consisting of strung beads were typical of the late period. The mask itself would be part of a shroud, linked to a winged scarab (as seen here) and the four sons of Horus.
Egyptian Faience Beaded Scarab Bracelet
£ 325.00
An elegant restrung bracelet of Ancient Egyptian faience beads. The design depicts a winged scarab, a motif typically seen on mummy masks from the period. Dark blue beads comprise the main body of the bracelet. Cream beads outline the shape of the body along with the elytra, prothorax and head. The eyes are each detailed with two red beads and the tips of the wings are adorned with four red beads on either side from which the thinner wrist band develops. The piece is finished with a modern silver clasp. (Please be aware that the clasp has not been professionally tied).
Period: Late Dynastic Period
Condition: Good condition.
In stock
Weight | 6.5 g |
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Dimensions | L 20 x W 3.3 cm |
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Faience | |
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