Ancient Egyptian Gilded Faience Ring

Ancient Egypt, Third Intermediate to Late Dynastic Period, 21st to 31st Dynasty, ca. 1069 to 332 BCE. A remarkable faience ring that features a mold made aegis and gilt with 71.06% (equivalent to 17K+) gold. The front of the aegis features a bust of a deity - the surface is soft and the finer details are indiscernible to determine the god or goddess, but a conical headdress sits atop the head, and lappets from the regal headdress rest upon the shoulders, and beneath is a wesekh broad collar intended to emulate the front of a shield. The aegis is attached to one area of a wide ring band and the surface of the faience is embellished with a blue-green glaze, as well as gold! Areas of the precious gilt remain in patches along the shank, adding a brilliant glimmer to the ancient ring. Imagine how exquisite the ensemble would be when entirely coated in gold! Size (ring): 0.85" Diameter (2.2 cm); (aegis): 0.55" L x 0.37" W (1.4 cm x 0.9 cm); (opening): 0.58" Diameter (1.5 cm); US ring size: 2.5; gold gilt quality: 71.06% (equivalent to 17K+)

According to author Manfred Lurker, "The imprecise term 'aegis' refers to a collar-like necklace which was regarded as a symbol of protection. In the Book of the Dead there is a spell for the 'collar of gold which is placed around the neck of the transfigured spirit on the day of burial'. These collars are often decorated with the head of a falcon or a uraeus. The placing in position of the collar is a symbolic expression for being encompassed by the arms of the god . . . Jewellery collars with the head of a god or goddess are also called an aegis. On the lids of mummy cases and stone sarcophagi instead of a collar there can appear a representation of a vulture with outstretched wings which has the same meaning; the sarcophagus of Tuthmosis I is an example." (Lurker, Manfred. "The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Egypt: An Illustrated Dictionary." Thames & Hudson, London, 1986, p. 24)

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#141841
Condition Report: Facial details of aegis are soft and indiscernible. The shank is intact with remains of gold gilt along exterior of band. While the band is intact, we recommend wearing as a pendant rather than a ring to preserve the remaining gilt and due to the age and fragility of the faience. Minor mineral and earthen encrustations and fading to blue glaze.