Stylized Scarab, Egypt, Late Period, 664–332 Bc.

White stone scarab with clean lines, uncarved legs and an incised carapace. The body is stylized, balanced in its proportions, and the head is marked by fine incisions. A lateral piercing from the tail to the head allows it to be suspended. On the base of the scarab, two incisions mark the circumference, while the head and carapace are engraved in detail. Carved, engraved, pierced, polished white stone, with marks of time (good general condition of preservation, see photos). Egypt, Late Period, 664–332 BC. Dimensions: 1.6 x 1.2 x 0.5 cm Provenance: Former Marie-Ange Ciolkowski collection, Paris, constituted in the 1960s–70s. Sold with a certificate of authenticity from the expert Serge Reynes, guarantee of origin and period. * Shipping costs on estimate. "This finely carved scarab dates from the Late Period of Egypt (664–332 BC). The engraving on the reverse depicts a stylized figure, probably a deity associated with music, holding a harp in each hand. The escroissances on the harps may symbolize the instrument's strings. This depiction is consistent with the attributes of Bastet, the Egyptian goddess of protection, music, and dance. The scarab may symbolize joy and protection, central themes in cults dedicated to Bastet. The motif also reflects the importance of music and instruments as a means of divine communication and cosmic harmonization."