59 - A TURQUOISE FAIENCE WEDJAT EYE AMULET, LATE PERIOD

A TURQUOISE FAIENCE WEDJAT EYE AMULET, LATE PERIOD Egypt, 664-332 BC. Finely modeled in the form of the left Eye of Horus, the almond-shaped eye and arched brow rendered in raised relief, with the characteristic extended cosmetic line and stylized falcon cheek markings below. The surface is covered with a luminous turquoise-blue glaze. Provenance: An old private collection, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and firing irregularities. Signs of weathering and erosion, small nicks, and light encrustations. Weight: 12 g Dimensions: Length 3.9 cm The wedjat eye was among the most popular and significant amulets in ancient Egypt. It represents the restored eye of the god Horus and combines human and falcon features, reflecting the close association of this deity with the falcon. The ancient Egyptian term ‘wedjat’, also written in some sources as ‘udjat’, may be translated as ‘the sound one’ or ‘the whole one’. According to Egyptian mythology, the eye of Horus was damaged or taken by Seth during a divine conflict and was subsequently restored by Thoth. For this reason, the wedjat became a potent symbol of healing, wholeness, regeneration, and rebirth, and amulets in this form were believed to provide protection and to transmit regenerative powers. They were widely used in both daily life and funerary contexts, serving the needs of the living as well as those of the deceased. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related faience wedjat eye amulet, dated to the Late Period, 664-332 BC, 3.6 x 4.8 x 1.4 cm, in the Musée du Louvre, Paris, inventory number E 1813, also recorded as AF 2198 and Clot Bey C 21 F no. 506. Compare a closely related blue faience wedjat eye amulet, dated to the Late Period, Dynasty 25-30, circa 721-343 BC, 3.2 x 4.3 x 0.9 cm, in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, object number 28.3.147. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s London, 27 October 2004, lot 508 Price: GBP 5,975 or approx. EUR 13,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An Egyptian turquoise glazed composition wedjat-eye of Horus amulet, circa 6th-3rd century BC Expert remark: Compare the closely related dating, turquoise glazed composition, conventional wedjat-eye form, and particularly the contrasting dark brown glaze accentuating the brow and pupil. Note the larger size (5.5 x 4 cm).