Lot 1-326. A Ceramic Pilgrim’s Flask from Coptic Egypt.

A Ceramic Pilgrim’s Flask from Coptic Egypt. A terracotta souvenir pilgrim flask, Coptic Egypt, c. AD 480 – 650, depicting Saint Menas on either side, flanked by camels, his arms outstretched in blessing. Above each arm is a quincunx, representing a cross; all within a beaded circular border. H: 3 ¾” (9.5 cm). Intact and crisply molded. A superb example! Cf. Bailey, Ptolemaic and Roman Terracottas from Egypt, p. 117, no 3416). The small flasks were probably produced at the pilgrimage center of Abu Mena, south-west of Alexandria, to sell to the devout as a souvenir of a visit. They have been deduced to have contained holy water or oil from the shrine. Ex Los Angeles private collection. Value Range: $450-$500.

 

Estimate:

$  450.00

Final Price:

$ 421.00 (11 bid(s))
Approximately EUR 0.00 / GBP 0.00

$  ( bid(s))
Approximately EUR / GBP

Time remaining:

Bidding closed (Tuesday, 26 Nov 2013, 14:42:30)
Current time: Saturday, September 21st, 11:39:12