Ancient Egypt, (Egyptian blue colour) game token with royal cartouche of Pharaoh Apries RARE MASTERPIECE - 3.1 cm

This small and extremely rare game token, crafted in faience, is an excellent example of the refined and symbolic art of the Saite Period (26th Dynasty, 664-525 BC) in Ancient Egypt. Faience, characterised by its vibrant blue colour, was a highly prized material in Egyptian culture, associated with concepts such as water, fertility and regeneration, due to its characteristic shine.

The token features a royal cartouche containing the name of Pharaoh Apries (589-570 BC), known in hieroglyphics as Wahibre. The cartouche, an oval symbol framing the name of the pharaohs, had a ritual and protective significance, ensuring the king's eternal presence in the earthly and spiritual world. The inclusion of this element in an everyday object such as a game token not only reflects its functionality, but also its connection to the religious and political beliefs of late Egypt.

During this period, board games such as Senet had a deep spiritual meaning, symbolising the soul's journey through the afterlife and triumph over obstacles in the realm of the dead. The presence of the cartouche on the token suggests that this object could have belonged to the elite or had a ceremonial use, reinforcing the figure of the pharaoh as guarantor of cosmic order (Maat).

Reduced in size (3.1 x 2.1 x 2.1 cm) and in an excellent state of preservation, this token combines utility and symbolism. Its careful manufacture by moulding and glazing demonstrates the technical mastery of Egyptian craftsmen, capable of fusing practical elements with spiritual and cultural values.
The royal cartouche game token of Pharaoh Apries is therefore not only a testimony of everyday life in late Egypt, but also a tangible symbol of royal power, religious devotion and artistic splendour of the 26th Dynasty.

Acquired from a French private collection, R.P in the 70's.
- The piece includes an authenticity certificate.

The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged, this process can take between 2 and 4 weeks.

IMPORTANT: Due to the new laws on the export of archaeological pieces, we have decided to NO LONGER sell outside the European territory for the following countries: SWITZERLAND & UNITED STATES of AMERICA.

For other destinations out of European territory: all our items will be shipped after obtaining a definitive LICENSE EXPORTATION by the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between
4-8 weeks. According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subjected to export taxes. The taxes will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price, and the tax rate is not applied directly to the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it:
Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. / From 6.001 to 60.000 euros: 10 %.

Please note that for far destination (Asia, middle east etc.. ), there will be an additional cost for the shipping.