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.
Egyptian Double-Stranded Faience Necklace
£ 300.00
An ancient Egyptian double-stranded necklace featuring tubular turquoise faience beads alternating with small spherical beads of yellow, red, blue, and black. The varying shades of turquoise and the bright colours of the spherical beads create a pleasing rhythm across the two strands. The original linen thread of the necklace is visible at the tie and centre of the necklace, with some clay deposits.
Period: Third Intermediate Period
Condition: Fine condition. Original thread knot fraying. Some beads with breaks and chips. Earthly encrustation to surface of beads and string. Circa 28.5 cm half-length when folded.
SOLD
| Weight | 8.7 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 57 cm |
| Culture | |
| Faience | Black Faience, Blue Faience, Red Faience, Turquoise Faience, Yellow Faience |
| Region |