Ancient Egyptian Faience and Jasper Beaded Necklace

£ 375.00

A very fine Ancient Egyptian restrung necklace formed from colourful faience beads with delicate jasper pendants. The body of the necklace is composed of turquoise cylindrical beads, between which clusters of three discs in red, white and black act as spacers. Towards the centre, the necklace parts into two strings, forming three hemispherical loops. The two flanking loops feature a rhombic centrepiece of red jasper, whilst the central loop displays a larger disc-shaped jasper bead. The necklace is finished with a modern silver-plated clasp. Some minor wear features to the beads, consistent with their age. Please be aware that the clasp has not been professionally tied.

Half length: (circa) 26.3cm

Length below is measured when unclasped.

Date: Circa 1550-1070 BC
Period: New Kingdom Period
Condition: Very good. Minor wear and earthy encrustations consistent with age.

In stock

SKU: KW-171 Category: Tag:

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 and onwards alternative colours such as black, yellow and red were added to the palette. The colours had different symbolisms for example, blue was thought to reflect fertility and life. Faience was manufactured into amulets and jewellery, the substance was used to create scarabs, furniture and cups.

Jasper is an opaque form of quartz, naturally occurring in the deserts surrounding the Nile in a variety of colours. A highly valued resource, it was frequent in Ancient Egyptian jewellery and amulets. All colours held symbolic meaning to the Egyptians, and red was particularly powerful and dynamic, associated with both protection and destruction. From its correlation with blood, it represented life, power and vigour; when attributed with the desert it could also represent violence, chaos and storms. Etymologically, the Egyptian word for red jasper is related to the concept of pleasure.

Weight 6.64 g
Dimensions L 49.4 cm
Culture

Region

Faience

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Semi-Precious Stones

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