A steatite scarab of Ramesses II, Ramesses the Great.

Classic New Kingdom scarab form - domed back with head, clypeus and wing cases, side plates with hatched legs, longitudinally pierced. The steatite has a warm ancient patina with remains of original pale greenish glaze and darker deposits in the recesses - genuine old surface.

The base bears the throne name User-Maat-Ra - "Powerful is the Justice of Ra" - the name of Ramesses II (1279-1213 BC). Visible are the sun-disk for Ra, the User-staff for power, and the Maat feather for justice/truth. Despite honest ancient wear, the cartouche remains legible - typical for Ramesside period scarabs that were worn daily as seals.

Ramesses II ruled for 66 years, Egypt's most famous pharaoh. Scarabs with his name were produced during and long after his reign as powerful royal amulets for protection and kingship.

• Dimensions: 1.4 x 1.0 cm

• Material: Glazed steatite

• Provenance: Donald Wonder Collection (1938-2023), CA & NJ, USA, thence by descent, with old tag "Ramesses"

Price € 275,—