Ancient Egyptian Jasper Wedjat Amulet






Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 143806 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Wedjat Amulet, an Ancient Egyptian red jasper Eye of Horus amulet from circa 1069–664 BC, measuring 2.3 x 1.8 cm, in good condition with original/official authenticity, acquired in 1990 from a private collection; provenance includes an early 20th century UK collection.
Description from the seller
A fine red jasper Ancient Egyptian wedjat amulet, also referred to as an Eye of Horus amulet. The amulet is comprised of a finely carved eye, eyebrow, and the under-eye wedjat markings typical of Eye of Horus iconography. Earthy encrustations which have settled into the fine incised lines demarcating these features allow the details of the amulet to contrast against the solid red colouring of the red jasper. The amulet is comprised of a relatively deep piece of jasper, allowing the suspension loop to be carved from the top of the amulet, rather than moulded into the eyebrow as is typical. The reverse of the amulet is flat to enable the object to be worn comfortably. Natural black striations in the jasper create unique patterns in the amulet. There are earthy encrustations and signs of wear on the surface of the amulet consistent with the object’s age and usage. There is some scratching to the front face of the amulet, but no loss of any of the amulet’s major components.
Horus was one of the most significant Ancient Egyptian deities, most commonly depicted with the head of a falcon, and the body of a man. He was a sun and moon deity, with his right eye thought to represent the sun and the left the moon. The eye of Horus, also known as ‘Wedjat’, was an ancient symbol of protection, particularly for the afterlife, and was also used to deflect evil. For this reason, it was often worn or hung on the deceased at burial. This symbol was highly influential in Egyptian life, with ancient sailors painting the image on the bow of their vessels to ward off evil.
Measurements (Circa): L 2.3 x H 1.8 cm
Provenance: Ex. early 20th century U.K. collection
Seller's Story
A fine red jasper Ancient Egyptian wedjat amulet, also referred to as an Eye of Horus amulet. The amulet is comprised of a finely carved eye, eyebrow, and the under-eye wedjat markings typical of Eye of Horus iconography. Earthy encrustations which have settled into the fine incised lines demarcating these features allow the details of the amulet to contrast against the solid red colouring of the red jasper. The amulet is comprised of a relatively deep piece of jasper, allowing the suspension loop to be carved from the top of the amulet, rather than moulded into the eyebrow as is typical. The reverse of the amulet is flat to enable the object to be worn comfortably. Natural black striations in the jasper create unique patterns in the amulet. There are earthy encrustations and signs of wear on the surface of the amulet consistent with the object’s age and usage. There is some scratching to the front face of the amulet, but no loss of any of the amulet’s major components.
Horus was one of the most significant Ancient Egyptian deities, most commonly depicted with the head of a falcon, and the body of a man. He was a sun and moon deity, with his right eye thought to represent the sun and the left the moon. The eye of Horus, also known as ‘Wedjat’, was an ancient symbol of protection, particularly for the afterlife, and was also used to deflect evil. For this reason, it was often worn or hung on the deceased at burial. This symbol was highly influential in Egyptian life, with ancient sailors painting the image on the bow of their vessels to ward off evil.
Measurements (Circa): L 2.3 x H 1.8 cm
Provenance: Ex. early 20th century U.K. collection
Seller's Story
Details
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.
