Ancient Egypt, Second Intermediate Period Steatite Scarab (No reserve price)
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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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Ancient Egyptian steatite scarab from the Second Intermediate Period (circa 1650–1550 BC), with hieroglyphic inscription on the reverse and a longitudinal suspension perforation; measures 0.8 cm L x 0.6 cm W x 0.5 cm H.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
An Ancient Egyptian steatite scarab decorated with hieroglyphs on the reverse. Careful attention has been given to depict the clypeus and head. The prothorax and elytra are divided by single lines, with two ‘V’s descending from the dissecting prothorax line to form the humeral callosities. The folded legs are represented with deep incisions along the sides of the scarab. The space underneath the fold of the legs is hollow creating an open-work effect. The reverse features a hieroglyphic inscription composed of a seated figure, possibly a deity holding a uraeus, a nefer symbol to the right and a neb basket underneath. The scarab has been perforated longitudinally for suspension. Earthly encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with its age.
Please note this is a small scarab, measurements have been included below.
The scarab beetle was an exceedingly popular symbol in the art of Ancient Egypt, thought to represent the sun god, Ra. The Ancient Egyptians believed that the scarab beetle rolling its ball of dung across the desert mirrored the journey of the sun across the sky from day to night. As the beetle laid its eggs within the dung, it became a symbol of rebirth and regeneration.
Measurements: (circa) L 0.8cm x W 0.6cm x H 0.5cm
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 hieroglyphs on the reverse. Careful attention has been given to depict the clypeus and head. The prothorax and elytra are divided by single lines, with two ‘V’s descending from the dissecting prothorax line to form the humeral callosities. The folded legs are represented with deep incisions along the sides of the scarab. The space underneath the fold of the legs is hollow creating an open-work effect. The reverse features a hieroglyphic inscription composed of a seated figure, possibly a deity holding a uraeus, a nefer symbol to the right and a neb basket underneath. The scarab has been perforated longitudinally for suspension. Earthly encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with its age.
Please note this is a small scarab, measurements have been included below.
The scarab beetle was an exceedingly popular symbol in the art of Ancient Egypt, thought to represent the sun god, Ra. The Ancient Egyptians believed that the scarab beetle rolling its ball of dung across the desert mirrored the journey of the sun across the sky from day to night. As the beetle laid its eggs within the dung, it became a symbol of rebirth and regeneration.
Measurements: (circa) L 0.8cm x W 0.6cm x H 0.5cm
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, Second Intermediate Period
Century/ Timeframe
Circa 1650 - 1550 BC
Name of object
Scarab
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.
