A small Egyptian faience Djed column amulet, c. 730-300 B.C.

A small Egyptian faience Djed column amulet, c. 730-300 B.C.

Code: 2472

SOLD

Description: A small pale blue faience Djed column amulet with back pillar pierced for suspension. A small chip to the base and a flaw resulting in distortion of the column, otherwise condition good.

Size: 19 mm/0.7 in. 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 pillar was a popular amulet which symbolised the backbone of Osiris and takes the form of the heiroglyphic sign meaning ‘enduring’ or ‘stable’.