An Exceptional Egyptian lapis scarboid pendant, Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 11- 12, ca. 2040 - 1786 BCE Sculpture - Stone acquired in Switzerland in the

acquired in Switzerland in the 1950's and then by descent

Condition: Probe hole in the base

Some individuals were buried in sarcophagi with effigy lids

Although modern viewers often associate classical marble with monochrome surfaces

likely tied to protective symbolism

An Exceptional Egyptian lapis scarboid pendant, Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 11- 12, ca. 2040 - 1786 BCE Sculpture - Stone acquired in Switzerland in theFew surviving pieces of Egyptian jewelry combine rarity, beauty, and provenance as compellingly as this exceptional lapis lazuli scaraboid. Carved from a rare, richly colored stone of deep cobalt blue, the scaraboid would originally have served as the centerpiece of an elegant Middle Kingdom swivel ring, one of the most sophisticated forms of personal adornment produced by Egyptian goldsmiths. The cowrie shaped lapis is preserved within its original