ca. 1550–30 BC. Egyptian. A necklace formed of restrung beads made from glazed faience of various colours, with a stone papyrus column amulet. Papyrus column pendants were worn as amulets of vigour, freshness, and enduring youth, as the vigorously growing plant was used as the hieroglyph wadj, meaning green, fresh, vigorous, etc.Provenance: Private London collection; formerly acquired in the UK art market from 1960s-80s collections.Size: L:240mm / W:mm ; 5.3g