Egyptian
An Egyptian glazed steatite scarab set in an antique gold ring, New Kingdom, 18th dynasty, circa 1550 - 1295 BC
Steatite, gold
Ring size: P; length of scarab: 1.4 cm
The ancient scarab of blue-grey glazed steatite, carved on the top with a schematic wing case, the underside carved with hieroglyphic signs composed of nb (Lord or King), and ntr...
The ancient scarab of blue-grey glazed steatite, carved on the top with a schematic wing case, the underside carved with hieroglyphic signs composed of nb (Lord or King), and ntr (of the gods) at the bottom of the field; above are a cobra wearing the crown, followed by a winged vulture. The cobra and the vulture represent the 'Two Lands' ie of Upper and Lower Egypt. The inscription reads, therefore, 'Lord of the Gods, Lord of the Two Lands', a common royal title in Ancient Egypt. The scarab is mounted in an antique 9ct gold setting so that it can be swivelled round to show both sides.
Provenance
UK private collection, East Anglia, acquired before the 1950s, thence by descent.Accompanied by old collection notes. The prior owner had inherited it from his mother who had been gifted the ring by his father, and is believed to have been in her possession for over 30 years. His father was an eminent doctor in paleopathology with a keen interest in Egyptology.