CNG 91, Lot: 1745. Estimate $1500. Sold for $1400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Late Period. Circa 664-342 BC. Naturalistic lapis lazuli scarab (22x16mm). Base and back well carved with realistic features. Intact with some earthen deposits, insignificant edge chips. Rare.

From the Dr. John N. Winnie Collection, purchased from Ancient World Arts on 8/12/90.

So-called “naturalistic scarabs” have been found in tombs dated to the Late Period. They differentiate from the usual scarab amulets in the naturalistic rendition of the legs and belly, the slightly larger size and lack of inscription. Sometimes they present a loop on the underbelly to be tied to the mummy. They served as funerary amulets.