With openwork cosmetic lines and incised details on both sides, drilled horizontally through the middle, a gold suspension loop added.
With openwork cosmetic lines and incised details on both sides, drilled horizontally through the middle, a gold suspension loop added.
Provenance
Nahman Collection, Cairo, before 1948, thence by descent to Robert Viola (1909 - 2005) New York With L'Ibis Gallery Limited, New York, circa 1980 Private collection, France, acquired from the above
Literature
One of the most popular amulets in ancient Egypt, the udjat eye amulet represents the healed eye of the god Horus. It depicts a combination of a human and a falcon eye, since Horus was often associated with a falcon. Its ancient Egyptian name, means 'the one that is sound (again).' In Egyptian mythology Horus’ eye was injured or stolen by the god Seth and then restored by Thoth. The eye embodies healing power and symbolises rebirth. An amulet in this shape was thought to protect its wearer and to transfer the power of regeneration onto him or her. Green stones in ancient Egypt were symbolic of new life and regeneration and so the material is highly suited to the amuletic nature of the subject.
Similar high quality luxury amulets can be found inlaid into gold cuff bracelets form the New Kingdom onwards. There are carnelian examples surviving from the tomb of Tutankhamun and the tomb of Psusennes from the 21st dynasty royal tombs at Tanis. See C. Andrews, Ancient Egyptian Jewellery, London, 1990, p. 146.