A good-sized Egyptian Djed column amulet, c. 730-300 B.C.

A good-sized Egyptian Djed column amulet, c. 730-300 B.C.

Code: 2470

SOLD

Description: A good-sized stout dark cobalt blue faience Djed column amulet topped by three horizontal ridges, flat-backed and the top block pierced for suspension. Complete and undamaged but with some dark brown staining.

Size: 46 mm/1.8 ins. in length

Culture: Egyptian

Date: Late Dynastic Period, c. 730-300 B.C.

Provenance:  From the collection of Julian Bird (1959-2014).

Background: Julian Bird was a passionate collector of Egyptian antiquities, who built up a fine and extensive collection from the 1970s onwards. He sourced his items mainly from the UK market, from specialist dealers, fairs, markets and auctioneers. He was a model collector, carefully documenting his collection, although we do not have his notes for this particular item.

Notes: The Djed column was a popular amulet which symbolised the backbone of Osiris and takes the form of the heiroglyphic sign meaning ‘enduring’ or ‘stable’.