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Peter Reynaers

An ancient Egyptian black hardstone amulet in the shape of a heart, known as ‘ib’ in Egyptian hieroglyphs. Taking the form of a jar, the amulet features a rounded triangular body, slightly convex in profile. Two pointed lug handles protrude slightly outwards. To the top is a rectangular lid surmounted by a perforated knob for suspension. Earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age.

The Egyptians wore amulets alongside other pieces of jewellery. They were decorative, but also served a practical purpose, being considered to bestow power and protection upon the wearer. Many of the amulets have been found inside the wrappings of mummies, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife. In Egyptian culture and mythology, the heart was perceived as the most important organ, the seat of intelligence that decided all feelings and actions, housing all the memories of a person. It was believed that the heart was weighed in the afterlife against a feather representing ma’at, an Egyptian concept of truth and justice, at the Weighing of the Heart Ceremony. These heart amulets would have been worn as protection for the beholder’s in death, used exclusively for mummies, to ensure a positive judgement. The amulet became so important that it was bestowed on every mummy until the end of the Pharaonic Period.

Measurements: (circa) W 1.1cm x L 1.8cm

Provenance: Ex. early 20th century U.K. collection

Archaeology

Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom Black Hardstone Heart Amulet

Reserve price

No reserve price

Budget

From

Closing date

Thursday

Sunday

Saturday

tomorrow

Wednesday

Friday

7 September

Location

Spain

Belgium

The Netherlands

Austria

United Kingdom

France

Italy

Germany

Portugal

Czech Republic

Hong Kong

Poland

United States

Ireland

Türkiye

Taiwan

Size

XS (under 10 cm)

S (10–40 cm)

M (40–80 cm)

L (over 80 cm)

Dimensions

Height

Width

Depth

Object

Ancient sculptures carvings and figurines

Ancient jewellery and beads

Ring

Ancient tools

Necklace

Pendant

Cameo

Arrow head

Ancient weapons and armour

Earrings

Carved mineral

Bracelet

Ancient artwork

Coin pendant

Vase

Necklace with pendant

Fibula

Tool

Metaphysical stones

Ancient tablets and texts

Amulet

Spear

Raw mineral

Country of origin

Europe

Netherlands

Unknown

Asia

Thailand

Hungary

Myanmar/Burma

China

Denmark

Cambodia

Africa

Laos

Bangladesh

Nepal

Canada

Niger

Material

Bronze

Terracotta

Silver

Glass

Faience

Gold-plated

Iron

Pottery

Ceramic

Stone

Flint

Wood

Lead

Marble

Gold

Alabaster

Bone

Stoneware

Jasper

Copper

Carnelian

Steatite

Yellow gold

Gilded Bronze

Porcelain

Gender

Women

Unisex

Condition

Good

Excellent

Very good

Fair

Very good +

Very good condition - slightly used with small signs of wear

Good condition - used with some signs of wear

As new - unused

Good condition

Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

Excellent condition - barely used with minimal signs of wear

Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear

Good condition - used with small signs of ageing

Fair condition - used with visible signs of wear

Fair condition -  heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing

Poor

Good condition, see description

Natural

Vintage - used with visible signs of wear

Poor - heavily used with major cracks, damages or major parts missing

Unissued/As new

Period

Tang Dynasty (618-907)

1400-1450

Han Dynasty (206 B.C.- 220 A.D.)

Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

Northern Song (960-1127)

1990-2000

Cretaceous, Lower (145 - 100.5 million years)

Song Dynasty

1550-1600

1700-1750

Early 17th century

Coral

Pearl

Freshwater cultured pearl

Turquoise

Lapis lazuli

Blood Coral

Jade

Certification

No laboratory report

Non-CITES species

CITES Appendix I - Source D

Fineness

18 kt.

9 kt.

Style

Ancient Roman

Ancient Egyptian

Medieval, Crusaders Era

Ancient Roman, Empire

Viking Era

Medieval

Ancient Greek, Hellenistic

Bronze Age

Ancient Greek

Neolithic

Byzantine

Late Roman/Early Byzantine

Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty

Islamic

Post-medieval

Western Asiatic

Ancient Egypt, Late Period

Celtic

Ancient Chinese

Paleolithic

Antique

Luristan

Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty

Scythian

Archaeology

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Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom Black Hardstone Heart Amulet

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