Ancient Egyptian Faience New Years Pilgrim Flask - 58 mm
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 1,400 - € 1,700
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Description from the seller
Ancient Egyptian
Provenance:
Collection passed on to me by mother (P.M.Shaw) in 2009
Given to her by
J.G.Judd who acquired the piece part of a strand of many depictions and amulets from Cairo dealer 04-02-1968. - with copy of original invoice available.
International Signed and Tracked.
New Year's Pilgrim Flask.
Identification & Dating
Type of Object: Miniature New Year's Flask (also commonly referred to as a Pilgrim Flask).
Material: Egyptian Faience. This is a quartz-based, glazed, non-clay ceramic material. The piece features distinct polychrome inlays and glazes, showcasing vibrant blues, greens, and ochre/orange tones seen in the close-up thumbnails.
Dating: Late Period to Ptolemaic Period. Specifically, it is attributed to the 26th Dynasty to the Ptolemaic Era (approximately 664–30 BCE).
The Medallion (Rosette): Both faces feature a relief-molded medallion structured around a concentric core. A ring of stylized, alternating lotus petals radiates outward from this central circular disk.
Color Palette: The primary base glaze is a classic Egyptian turquoise-blue/green. The molded relief petals feature alternating masterfully applied glazes: dark indigo/cobalt blue and a warm ochre/orange-brown pigment.
The other side to the flask:
The Baboon (Hapy / Thoth): The relief depicts a baboon shown in profile, squatting or crouching down. The distinctive mane/shaggy cape around its neck and upper torso is rendered with fine, incised horizontal texturing.
The Neb Basket: The baboon sits directly atop a semi-circular, cross-hatched architectural or woven element. In Egyptian hieroglyphs, this represents the "Neb" basket (\square), a glyph denoting "lord," "master," or "everything."
Microscopic images have been added to display pigmentation and integrity of the core faience.
"Compliance with European Legislation
I, the seller, declare that I am familiar with Regulation (EU) 2019/880 and Regulation (EU) 2024/1070 (in force as of June 2025), and confirm that:
• This object was not illegally exported from its country of origin after the date on which the 1970 UNESCO Convention entered into force for that specific country.
• The object is accompanied by the documentation required by EU law for its legal import.
• I undertake to provide any required export licenses or certificates of origin to European customs authorities.
Disclaimer for Experts and Platforms.
This declaration is provided by the seller under their sole responsibility. The seller confirms knowledge of and compliance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1070 and all applicable laws concerning the sale and import of cultural goods.
Neither the platform nor its experts are liable for the accuracy, legality, or authenticity of the documents and statements provided.
Acceptance of the object on the platform does not imply legal validation of its importation or authentication.
The buyer is responsible for ensuring compliance with customs laws in their country."
Ancient Egyptian
Provenance:
Collection passed on to me by mother (P.M.Shaw) in 2009
Given to her by
J.G.Judd who acquired the piece part of a strand of many depictions and amulets from Cairo dealer 04-02-1968. - with copy of original invoice available.
International Signed and Tracked.
New Year's Pilgrim Flask.
Identification & Dating
Type of Object: Miniature New Year's Flask (also commonly referred to as a Pilgrim Flask).
Material: Egyptian Faience. This is a quartz-based, glazed, non-clay ceramic material. The piece features distinct polychrome inlays and glazes, showcasing vibrant blues, greens, and ochre/orange tones seen in the close-up thumbnails.
Dating: Late Period to Ptolemaic Period. Specifically, it is attributed to the 26th Dynasty to the Ptolemaic Era (approximately 664–30 BCE).
The Medallion (Rosette): Both faces feature a relief-molded medallion structured around a concentric core. A ring of stylized, alternating lotus petals radiates outward from this central circular disk.
Color Palette: The primary base glaze is a classic Egyptian turquoise-blue/green. The molded relief petals feature alternating masterfully applied glazes: dark indigo/cobalt blue and a warm ochre/orange-brown pigment.
The other side to the flask:
The Baboon (Hapy / Thoth): The relief depicts a baboon shown in profile, squatting or crouching down. The distinctive mane/shaggy cape around its neck and upper torso is rendered with fine, incised horizontal texturing.
The Neb Basket: The baboon sits directly atop a semi-circular, cross-hatched architectural or woven element. In Egyptian hieroglyphs, this represents the "Neb" basket (\square), a glyph denoting "lord," "master," or "everything."
Microscopic images have been added to display pigmentation and integrity of the core faience.
"Compliance with European Legislation
I, the seller, declare that I am familiar with Regulation (EU) 2019/880 and Regulation (EU) 2024/1070 (in force as of June 2025), and confirm that:
• This object was not illegally exported from its country of origin after the date on which the 1970 UNESCO Convention entered into force for that specific country.
• The object is accompanied by the documentation required by EU law for its legal import.
• I undertake to provide any required export licenses or certificates of origin to European customs authorities.
Disclaimer for Experts and Platforms.
This declaration is provided by the seller under their sole responsibility. The seller confirms knowledge of and compliance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1070 and all applicable laws concerning the sale and import of cultural goods.
Neither the platform nor its experts are liable for the accuracy, legality, or authenticity of the documents and statements provided.
Acceptance of the object on the platform does not imply legal validation of its importation or authentication.
The buyer is responsible for ensuring compliance with customs laws in their country."
Details
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Century/timeframe
1070 BC - 30 BC
Name of object
New Years Pilgrim Flask
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1968
Material
Faience
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Inherited
Height
58 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1992
Width
37 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
United Kingdom
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
