This facience amulet depicting a tiny frog is fitted in a later ring mount, which is accentated with two small cushion-cut emeralds.
Small-scale Egyptian figurines, known as amulets, were thought to promote health and good luck. Amulets were an important part of Egyptian religious beliefs and were therefore worn by both the living and the dead. They could be mounted on rings or strung as bracelets or necklaces, and were also placed among the mummy wrappings to secure the deceased’s well-being in the afterlife. Many varieties of amulets survive, including figures of deities, animals, plants and objects of daily life.
Frog amulets were primarily associated with fertility and rebirth. They were worn by both men and women, with women often hoping for easy childbirth and men seeking protection in the afterlife. The frog's association with fertility stemmed from its prolific reproduction and its connection to the annual flooding of the Nile, which brought life-giving water and fertile silt.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: ring size US 5, UK K, circumference 50 mm.
The frog measures 7 x 8 x 8 mm.
Weight: 1.85 grams.
Age: The mounting was made around the 1920s. The design of the frog amulet is typical for the New Kingdom Period (ca 1550 - 1070 BCE), but because ancient Egyptian artifacts are not my expertise, I am tentative in assigning a date to this amulet.
Material: The mount is hallmarked with a French export hallmark for 375/1000 (10k) gold.
Condition: In good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with its age.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes.