EGYPTIAN GLAZED SCARAB WITH SOBEK-RE AND WADJET IN SILVER RING

New Kingdom, 18th-19th dynasty, ca. 1550 - 1186 BC. An oval scarab, apparently of glazed steatite or composition, later mounted on a silver wire hoop. The base bears a crowned crocodile head with long plumes, a papyrus stem and an upright cobra beneath a solar disc; a basin-shaped sign occupies the lower field. The crocodile is identifiable as Sobek in his solar aspect, Sobek-Re, while the cobra represents Wadjet; the papyrus sign `w__` reinforces the goddess's name through wordplay. The lower basin may be the sign `_b`, ?festival?. Size: D:21.79mm / US: 12 1/2 / UK: Z; Weight: 4g Provenance: Private central London collection; previously acquired on the UK art market prior to 2000.