A good-sized Egyptian blue faience Shu amulet, c. 730-300 B.C.

Description: A good-sized turquoise blue faience Shu amulet showing kneeling male figure with upraised arms, wearing solar disk, with back column and pedestal base. The back column pierced for suspension above the shoulders. A chip to the left knee, some minor surface wear, otherwise condition good.

Size: 30 mm/1.2 ins. high

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.