Egyptian Faience Necklace with Lapis Lazuli Lotus Amulets

$1,200.53

An Ancient Egyptian restrung necklace featuring turquoise faience tubular beads alternating with small spherical beads. The piece is further enriched with three lapis lazuli lotus amulets at the centre and is finished with a small gold plated clasp (please be aware that the clasp has not been professionally tied).

 

Date: Circa 1550 - 1070 BC
Period: New Kingdom Period
Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously in a 1940s collection.
Condition: Very fine condition. Half length folded is 24.5cm

In stock

SKU: LD-382 Category: Tags: ,

The lotus was an important symbol in the ancient world, as it stood for rebirth and creation. Lotus flowers open during the day, and close at night, thus illustrating the journey of the god, Khepri, who rolled the sun across the earth, and in doing so created day and night. Lotus flowers are also born from the mud at the bottom of lakes, before rising to the surface: such symbolism may have been applied to burial contexts in ancient Egypt, providing a powerful and optimistic metaphor for rebirth. It was believed that the lotus flower gave strength and power, and for this reason is often found in tomb decorations and in amulet form.

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.

To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings.

 

Weight 8.9 g
Dimensions L 48 cm
Culture

Faience

Region

Semi-Precious Stones

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