{"product_id":"ancient-egyptian-glazed-steatite-scarab-with-lotus-elytra","title":"Ancient Egyptian Glazed Steatite Scarab with Lotus Elytra","description":"Second Intermediate Period to Early New Kingdom, Dynasty 15–18, circa 1650–1450 BCE.\u003cbr\u003eThis finely conceived steatite scarab exhibits a rare and charming decorative feature across its dorsal surface: in place of conventional plain wing cases (elytra), the carver incised a prominent flowering lotus stalk (seshen) diagonally across the back, accented by a small geometric cartouche-like diamond motif along the shoulder. In ancient Egyptian cosmology, the lotus closing at night and opening anew at dawn was the quintessential emblem of rebirth, creation, and eternal life, perfectly augmenting the scarab beetle's (kheper) fundamental role as a vector of resurrection. The head and clypeus are cleanly defined with deep v-shaped incisions, while the side walls are notched with striated lateral grooves indicating the folded legs. Pierced longitudinally along its central axis for suspension on a cord or wire swivel ring, the piece remains fully stable and structurally sound.  \u003cbr\u003eThe underside of the scarab is deeply carved with an apotropaic arrangement of classic protective and royal hieroglyphs, set longitudinally within a double-line elliptical border. At the center stands a sacred falcon, symbol of the solar divinity Horus, representing divine protection, kingship, and celestial power. Above the falcon sits a nefer hieroglyph (Gardiner F35, representing beauty, goodness, and divine perfection), paired with complementary auspicious signs including a lotus bud or nfr variant and curling protective coils. While arranged as a protective cryptogram rather than a continuous narrative phrase, the grouping functions as an amuletic blessing: \"Horus endures in goodness; life, perfection, and protective power to the bearer.\"\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 5\/8 in. long (1.6 cm)   \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67613396664634,"sku":"17924","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/100718.jpg?v=1790886067","url":"https:\/\/howardnowes.com\/products\/ancient-egyptian-glazed-steatite-scarab-with-lotus-elytra","provider":"Art for Eternity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}