Code: 2469
Description: A large pale blue faience Djed column amulet topped by four striated ‘vertebrae’, with back pillar, not pierced for suspension, so for funerary use. Chips to the two lowermost lateral projections, a horizontal fracture repaired and overall surface wear.
Size: 82 mm/3.2 ins. in length
Culture: Egyptian
Date: Late Dynastic Period, c. 730-300 B.C.
Provenance: From the collection of Julian Bird (1959-2014) and acquired at Timeline Auctions Sale of 18 March 2011 as part of Lot 419, and previously in an old English private collection.
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, and his notes on this particular item will be supplied to the buyer.
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’.
