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, and the substance was also used to create scarabs, furniture and cups.
Ancient Egyptian Faience Beaded Necklace
£ 350.00
A fine Ancient Egyptian necklace, restrung on copper wire, composed of polychromatic beads of faience. Towards the top, the beads are smaller, alternating between spherical turquoise faience and small brown spacer beads. The beads increase in size down the necklace, with the faience spheres developing hues of green, blue and white. A barrel-shaped yellow bead features before either end of the wire. Each bead presents a unique shape and texture reflecting their antique and hand-crafted qualities. Some wear, chips and hairline cracks to the beads. Please note this necklace is unclasped.
Half length: circa 24.6cm
Length below is approximate when unclasped.
Period: Middle Kingdom
Provenance: Ex French Gallery, 1970-1990. Paris collection, France.
Condition: Good. Some chips, cracks and wear to the beads.
In stock
| Weight | 62.56 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 50.6 cm |
| Culture | |
| Faience | |
| Region |
