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Lot Description

An Egyptian Red Jasper Face Inlay

Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.

Height 1 1/4 inches (3 cm).

Provenance:
Mr. & Mrs. Goddard Dubois, acquired in Egypt in 1900-1906; thence by descent.
(with affidavit and museum loan receipt)

Exhibited:
California, San Diego Museum of Man, 1968, Loan no. M410.

Note:
Egyptian glass workshops during the New Kingdom used two different casting techniques to produce these stunning inlays. They would use either a melted piece of glass at the end of a rod, held above a fire and then press the glass into heated molds, or use pre-crushed glass that was fired directly into the mold. Glass inlays were used to lavishly decorate and bring vibrancy to figural scenes in composite reliefs. These reliefs and inlays could be used to adorn wooden coffins, furniture, and palace walls.

In ancient Egypt, glass production was rare and thought to be under royal monopoly. The color of royal figures in glass likely signified an important aspect of Egyptian theology. In these two examples, the use of red (Lot 39) may have served as a link to the Pharaoh's duties on Earth, while the use of blue (Lot 38) may denote his celestial role as a god.

Condition Report

Intact as preserved. Minor soil/sediment or incrustations in the crevices such as the ears, eyes, and nose; incrustations also present on the back. Minor pitting and abrasions throughout. Black lettering on the back reading 410. Very attractive and stable condition overall.

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