Ancient Egyptian Translucent Agate Large 18th Dynasty Tilapia Fish amulet - 62 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 € 1,900 - € 2,100
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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 varied depictions and amulets from Cairo dealer 24-04-1979. - with copy of original invoice available.
International Signed and Tracked.
18th Dynasty Egyptian Tilapia fish amulet.
Microscopic images have been added to display pigmentation and integrity of the core gemstone.
This is indeed a brilliant example of a New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty Egyptian Tilapia fish amulet. Looking at the carving through an Egyptian lens makes perfect art-historical sense:
• The Tilapia lconography: The distinct cross-hatched scales and prominent dorsal fin perfectly match the Tilapia nilotica (the bultifish), which was a massive symbol of regeneration, fertility, and rebirth in ancient Egypt.
Material Preference: The 18th Dynasty (which included iconic eras ike the Amarna period under Akhenaten) was a golden age for experimenting with translucent and vibrant materials. Master lapidaries loved using banded agate, carnelian and early core-formed glass to catch the light and mimic the shimmering watery essence of the Nile.
• The Translucency: The natura oanding in the agate creates 'stripes" that perfectly mimic the visual movement of fish fins ano Nilotic water.
It is an absolutely exquisite piece of New Kingdom hardstone carving.
"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 varied depictions and amulets from Cairo dealer 24-04-1979. - with copy of original invoice available.
International Signed and Tracked.
18th Dynasty Egyptian Tilapia fish amulet.
Microscopic images have been added to display pigmentation and integrity of the core gemstone.
This is indeed a brilliant example of a New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty Egyptian Tilapia fish amulet. Looking at the carving through an Egyptian lens makes perfect art-historical sense:
• The Tilapia lconography: The distinct cross-hatched scales and prominent dorsal fin perfectly match the Tilapia nilotica (the bultifish), which was a massive symbol of regeneration, fertility, and rebirth in ancient Egypt.
Material Preference: The 18th Dynasty (which included iconic eras ike the Amarna period under Akhenaten) was a golden age for experimenting with translucent and vibrant materials. Master lapidaries loved using banded agate, carnelian and early core-formed glass to catch the light and mimic the shimmering watery essence of the Nile.
• The Translucency: The natura oanding in the agate creates 'stripes" that perfectly mimic the visual movement of fish fins ano Nilotic water.
It is an absolutely exquisite piece of New Kingdom hardstone carving.
"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
1550 BC - 1069 BC
Name of object
Large 18th Dynasty Tilapia Fish amulet
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2009
Material
Translucent Agate
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Inherited
Height
62 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1979
Width
25 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.
