Lot 1236
A Pair of Very Early Faience Tiles. Egypt, 3rd Dynast, Reign of King Djoser, c. 2690-2660 BC. The tiles rectangular, with slightly convex faces; the backs with flat "loops," pierced for stringing.The color of the faience now a soft robbin blue, with one tile greener. Of note is that each bears what appears to be a single hieroglyph incised on the back. Pieces with slight edge nicks, or small chips to the "loops." Otherwise intact and in very good condition. Size: 2-1/4" x 1-3/8". These are ideal artifacts for those who cherish early writing, especially that which can be coupled with key figures of history! Lot of 2 items.
Estimated Value $800 - 900.
Djoser ranks high in Egyptian history for successfully building, under the guidance of his vizier/architect, Imhotep, the first large-scale pyramid. Among the decoration of its interior chambers, rows of blue faience tiles were arranged among raised bands of limestone, to simulate the reed-mat structure of the earliest Egyptian buildings. Cf. Friedman, Gifts of the Nile, pp. 72-73, 180-181, where back views also show single incised glyphs, but different from these here.
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| Realized $870 |
