Antiquities, Islamic, and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art: Featuring Selections from the Dr. Mohammed Said Farsi Collection

AN EGYPTIAN FAIENCE CAT AMULET, LATE PERIOD TO PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-30 B.C.

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Start price: £360

Estimated price: £400 - £600

Auction house commission: 25%

VAT: On commission only

This amulet, made from green faience, depicts a seated cat, a creature deeply revered in ancient Egyptian culture. The cat, often associated with the goddess Bastet, symbolized protection, fertility, and domesticity. This amulet captures the feline’s poised and alert stance, with finely modeled features that reflect the importance of cats in ancient Egyptian society.

The cat is shown seated, with a small kitten nestled between its front paws, further emphasizing the themes of protection and motherhood. The loop on the back of the figure suggests that this amulet was worn as a pendant, likely serving both a protective and decorative function.

The vibrant green color of the faience, achieved through a glazing process, gives the amulet a striking appearance.

Provenance: Private UK collection. 

H: 3.6cm