Egyptian Blue Glass Heart Scarab

Object Description

An ancient Egyptian scarab moulded from indigo-blue, glass paste. The clypeus is carefully rendered and the smooth elytra is marked with a double suture. The underside of the scarab is flat but uneven, as signs of moulding can be observed and there is no indication of legs. There is also a cylindrical depression on the underside, perhaps used for anchoring when setting the scarab to a bigger frame, such as a pectoral. The deep royal blue is reminiscent of the colour of lapis lazuli, most likely made in imitation.

Date: Circa 332-30 BC
Period: Ptolemaic Period

Object History

Formerly in the collection of Madeleine Meunier (1921 -2009), auctioned by Christie’s and Millon in Drouot, Paris, 15 December 2016, lot 68.

Object Condition

Good condition. Previously restored. Small chip to the mouth area.

Object Details