Ancient Egypt, Middle Kingdom Steatite Scarab with Scroll Pattern (No reserve price)
Opens tomorrow
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 250 - € 330
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Description from the seller
An Ancient Egyptian steatite scarab decorated with a scroll and spiral pattern on the reverse. Careful attention has been given to depict the head. Stylised legs are represented with hatched incisions along the sides of the scarab. The arched back has been left free of markings, with only two small incisions to the sides to indicate the humeral callosities. The reverse features a geometric scroll pattern. The scarab has been perforated longitudinally for suspension. Earthly encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with its age. The bottom edge of the reverse is chipped close to the perforation hole. A crack extends from the chip.
Scarabs of this type, with generalised hieroglyphs and geometric patterns, were popular during the Middle Kingdom. They gain popularity especially during late Dynasty 12 to Dynasty 13, circa 1850–1640 BC. However influence was taken from such designs during the New Kingdom, when geometric patterns also became popular. Scarabs such as these would have been worn for their apotropaic value.
Measurements: (circa) L 1.3cm x W 0.9cm x H 0.7cm
Provenance: Ex Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Ex. Private collection 1970s-1990s.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. 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.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
An Ancient Egyptian steatite scarab decorated with a scroll and spiral pattern on the reverse. Careful attention has been given to depict the head. Stylised legs are represented with hatched incisions along the sides of the scarab. The arched back has been left free of markings, with only two small incisions to the sides to indicate the humeral callosities. The reverse features a geometric scroll pattern. The scarab has been perforated longitudinally for suspension. Earthly encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with its age. The bottom edge of the reverse is chipped close to the perforation hole. A crack extends from the chip.
Scarabs of this type, with generalised hieroglyphs and geometric patterns, were popular during the Middle Kingdom. They gain popularity especially during late Dynasty 12 to Dynasty 13, circa 1850–1640 BC. However influence was taken from such designs during the New Kingdom, when geometric patterns also became popular. Scarabs such as these would have been worn for their apotropaic value.
Measurements: (circa) L 1.3cm x W 0.9cm x H 0.7cm
Provenance: Ex Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Ex. Private collection 1970s-1990s.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. 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.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Ancient Egypt, Middle Kingdom
Century/ Timeframe
Circa 2055 - 1650 BC
Name of object
Scarab with Scroll Pattern
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Steatite
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
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.
