NEW KINGDOM, LATE DYNASTY XVIII-XIX, CIRCA 1350-1250 B.C.

Details

TWO EGYPTIAN GLASS EAR PLUGS
NEW KINGDOM, LATE DYNASTY XVIII-XIX, CIRCA 1350-1250 B.C.
In the form of a papyrus column, one translucent turquoise-green with white marvered spiral trails, the other cobalt blue with applied white marvered spiral threads
1 1/8 in. (2.8 cm.) high max. (2)

Provenance

The Groppi Collection, Switzerland; acquired in the 1920s-1940s.

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 20% on the buyer's premium.

Lot Essay

Cf. E. M. Stern and B. Schlick-Nolte, Early Glass of the Ancient World, 1600 B.C.-A.D. 50, Ernesto Wolf Collection, Ostfildern, 1994, no. 8. The custom of wearing ear plugs began during the reign of Amenhotep III (circa 1387-1350 B.C.) and continued until after the end of the Ramesside period (circa 1073 B.C.). According to Egyptian belief, papyrus column ear plugs were associated with the plant's evergreen, regenerative powers which were, supposedly, to be transferred to the wearer.

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