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This ancient Egyptian lapis lazuli scarab dates from the Late Period to the Ptolemaic era (c. 664–30 BC). The finely carved scarab is set in a high-karat gold swivel mount from a later date, carefully designed in the same design as ancient Egyptian gold mounts, featuring a rotating bezel and wrapped wire detailing on the shoulders.Scarabs were powerful symbols of protection, transformation, and resurrection in ancient Egyptian culture. Often placed in tombs or worn as amulets, they were believed to ensure safe passage into the afterlife. This example, carved from deep blue lapis lazuli, has a smooth, undecorated underside, characteristic of some funerary scarabs.The scarab measures 15 × 12 × 9 mm, and the ring is a UK size P (US 7.5). It weighs 6.05 grams. The gold tests as approximately 22K.For comparable examples, see objects 07.228.171, 22.3.64, and 26.7.764 in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, N 2086 and BJ 1199 in the Louvre, and EA18536 in the British Museum.A remarkable artefact, blending ancient craftsmanship with a later but faithful gold setting, embodying the enduring fascination with Egyptian symbolism.
This ancient Egyptian lapis lazuli scarab dates from the Late Period to the Ptolemaic era (c. 664–30 BC). The finely carved scarab is set in a high-karat gold swivel mount from a later date, carefully designed in the same design as ancient Egyptian gold mounts, featuring a rotating bezel and wrapped wire detailing on the shoulders.
Scarabs were powerful symbols of protection, transformation, and resurrection in ancient Egyptian culture. Often placed in tombs or worn as amulets, they were believed to ensure safe passage into the afterlife. This example, carved from deep blue lapis lazuli, has a smooth, undecorated underside, characteristic of some funerary scarabs.
The scarab measures 15 × 12 × 9 mm, and the ring is a UK size P (US 7.5). It weighs 6.05 grams. The gold tests as approximately 22K.
For comparable examples, see objects 07.228.171, 22.3.64, and 26.7.764 in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, N 2086 and BJ 1199 in the Louvre, and EA18536 in the British Museum.
A remarkable artefact, blending ancient craftsmanship with a later but faithful gold setting, embodying the enduring fascination with Egyptian symbolism.
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