古埃及，晚期 Faience Amulet (没有保留价)

ITEM: Amulet
MATERIAL: Faience
CULTURE: Egyptian
PERIOD: Late Period, 664 - 332 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 12 mm x 15 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Swedish private collection, acquired before 1970s

During the Egyptian Late Period (c. 664–332 BCE), faience reached a pinnacle of popularity as a material for protective amulets. Known to the ancient Egyptians as tjehenet (meaning "shining" or "dazzling"), faience was not a true ceramic but a non-clay material made of crushed quartz, lime, and alkali. When fired, the copper-rich glaze migrated to the surface, creating a vibrant turquoise or deep blue finish that symbolized the life-giving waters of the Nile and the eternal nature of the heavens. These amulets were produced in vast quantities, often using open molds to meet the high demand for both domestic protection and funerary rites.

The iconography of Late Period amulets was incredibly diverse, featuring a pantheon of deities such as the lion-headed Sekhmet, the dwarf-god Bes, and the protective goddess Taweret. Common symbols like the wadjet (Eye of Horus) for healing, the djed pillar for stability, and the scarab for rebirth were worn by people from all levels of society. These small objects were believed to be imbued with heka, or magical power, acting as a spiritual shield against illness, malevolent spirits, and the hazards of daily life. In a funerary context, dozens of these amulets were often wrapped within the linen bandages of a mummy to ensure the deceased's safe passage through the underworld.

Artistically, Late Period faience is noted for its refined detail and a shift toward more delicate, elongated proportions compared to earlier eras. Despite the mass-produced nature of many pieces, artisans achieved remarkable precision in the facial features of the gods and the intricate textures of their headdresses. The enduring brilliance of the glaze has allowed these amulets to retain their color for over two thousand years, providing a vivid window into the personal piety of ancient Egyptians during a time of significant political change and foreign influence.

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