Sands of Time Ancient Art

Sands of Time Ancient Art Fascinating DC gallery in historic Georgetown, specializing in ancient art from 3000 BC - 500 AD FREE USA SHIPPING!

SANDS OF TIME offer genuine Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Holy Land, and Mesopotamian antiquities for sale, guaranteed authentic. Step back in time when you view our online gallery and the explore the fascinating art of the ancient world.

09/05/2026

A good Egyptian Greenstone Heart Scarab, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
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The scarab’s association with the daily rebirth of the young sun god, Khepri, gave the beetle a prominent role in funerary contexts. In this example, the body conforms to the usual scarabaeus sacer; the eyes and head are carved on the five-notched shield (clypeus). The first segment of the upper body (prothorax) and wings (elytrae) are separated by incised lines, while the legs (tibiae) to the side, are tucked underneath the body. As is to be expected, this heart scarab has no borehole and is uninscribed on the base.

Background: The heart scarab, which first appears in Dynasty XIII, played an important role in the funerary accessories of the deceased. Not only was it the medium for magical text, it was also a symbol of self-generation and rebirth. It provided the deceased wearer with the assurance that at the final judgment, he would be found "true of voice" and accepted into the eternal afterlife under the rule of the god Osiris. Many heart scarabs bear part or all of what is known as Chapter 30B from the Book of the Dead; a prayer to the heart of Isis, who was the mother of the deceased, not to bear false witness against the deceased when he is being judged before Osiris. The Book of the Dead also instructs that the heart scarab be made of the nemhef-stone, which has been identified as green jasper, serpentine, or basalt, and be set in a gold chase suspended from the neck. It appears the stone was chosen not only for its greenish color, which symbolized life, health, and regeneration but also for its weight. The heart could not weigh more than the feather of Maat, so a heart scarab ...

09/05/2026

A Chinese Han Dynasty Mingqi Pottery Vase, Han Dynasty, ca. 200 BCE - 200 CE
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a green lead-glazed Mingqi funerary vase, the terracotta clay body with tall fluted cylindrical neck incised with oscillating lines, the ovoid body with a pair of loop handles applied to the shoulder with two molded taotie faces. While ceramics undoubtedly served utilitarian functions, they were also used as funerary objects. During the Han dynasty, the Chinese often buried their dead with objects they would need in the afterlife. This ceramic jar was made for that purpose. Its painted design is intended to resemble lacquer, an extremely valuable material that was considered a sign of high status. Because it was prohibitively expensive for most families to bury the dead with actual lacquer vessels, ceramic replicas were used instead as a way of conserving financial resources for the living. Condition: Intact and in very good condition overall with areas of iridescence.Dimensions: Height: 10 inches (25.4 cm)Provenance: Private NY collection, acquired in the 1980s.

09/04/2026

Unlock a piece of history in your collection.

This stunning Egyptian Diorite Palette Grinder, dating back to the Pre-Dynastic Period, embodies ancient artistry and craftsmanship. Experience the rich textures and timeless elegance of this rare artifact, which not only enhances your space but also serves as a conversation starter and a testament to your appreciation for historical significance. Whether displayed on a shelf or integrated into your everyday decor, it brings a touch of ancient luxury into modern life.

Don't miss your chance to own this breathtaking piece. Claim it today before someone else does. $1000$5000

Shop Now https://sandsoftimedc.com/products/em2002

09/04/2026

A rare Egyptian Steatite Cylinder Seal with Anubis, Early Dynastic Period - Old Kingdom, ca. 3000 - 2750 BCE
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Carved black steatite cylinder seal carved with ten stylized linear anubis figures.

Seals were most often made of stone but also sometimes of bone, ivory, faience, glass, metal, wood, or even sun-dried or baked clay. A recessed inscription was carved onto the cylinder, which produced a raised impression when rolled on a clay tablet or envelope. Cylinder seals were used to protect vessels, clay envelopes and storeroom door latches from tampering. They guaranteed authenticity, marked ownership, indicated participation in a legal transaction and protected goods against theft.

Medium: Steatite

Dimensions: Height: 7/8 inch (2.1 cm)

Condition: Some scattered surface deposits, the seal is intact and in very good condition overall.

Provenance: J.N. Claesen, collection, Netherlands, assembled prior to 1975. Thereafter M.A. Ryun collection, Dallas , acquired in London before 1980. Thereafter private Connecticut collection, then private Virginia collection, acquired from the NY trade in 2018.

09/03/2026

Discover the timeless allure of history right at your fingertips.

Behold the Royal Egyptian Steatite Scarab from the illustrious 25th Dynasty, crafted between 747 and 656 BCE. This exquisite piece is more than decor; it’s a symbol of protection and transformation, inviting ancient wisdom into your modern sanctuary. Feel its smooth, cool surface and let the rich history spark conversation in your home or office, embodying elegance and intrigue with every glance.

Who knew you could own a piece of history? Treat yourself—or maybe someone special. Just saying. $1000

Shop Now https://sandsoftimedc.com/products/ea2221

09/03/2026

A rare Egyptian Alabaster Shabti for Pharaoh Ramesses VII, New Kingdom, 20th Dynasty, ca. 1136–1129 BCE
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Carved from fine alabaster, this rare royal shabti depicts Pharaoh Ramesses VII in mummiform pose with arms crossed over the chest. The face is modeled with care, enhanced by painted details including black-lined eyes, a delicate nose, and red lips beneath a long tripartite wig. Traces of the original pigment in red, green, and black are preserved across the surface, particularly highlighting the facial features and the vertical inscription.

Down the front of the figure are two painted cartouches enclosed within a vertical register. The first reads Usermaatre Setepenre, the prenomen of Ramesses VII, while the second gives his nomen, Ramesses. These cartouches firmly identify the shabti as belonging to the short-reigned son of Ramesses VI, one of the last pharaohs of Egypt’s New Kingdom.

Royal shabtis of alabaster are particularly scarce, with most known examples executed in faience. This piece thus represents a highly unusual and desirable survival from the late Ramesside period. Mounted on a vintage wooden base for display.

Medium: Alabaster

Dimensions: Height: 6 3/4 inches (17 cm), Width: 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm)

Condition: The shabti is intact overall, with no evidence of breaks or repairs. The surface retains much of its original painted decoration in red, green, and black pigments, particularly visible on the facial features, tripartite wig, and column of hieroglyphs on the front of the mummiform body. Some pigment loss and fading are present, consistent with age, notably on the back and high points of the figure. The surface shows light abrasions, m...

This pendant is a timeless statement piece that redefines elegance. Discover the exquisite charm of our Western Asiatic ...
09/03/2026

This pendant is a timeless statement piece that redefines elegance.

Discover the exquisite charm of our Western Asiatic Gold Pendant, dating back to the early 1st millennium BCE. Its intricate design and rich history elevate any outfit, making you feel both confident and connected to the past. Imagine wearing this remarkable piece that not only dazzles with its golden luster but also sparks conversations and admiration wherever you go.

Act fast—this unique treasure won't last long! Secure your piece of history today. $1000$5000

Shop Now https://sandsoftimedc.com/products/mj1433

Address

1010 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Ste 340
Washington D.C., DC
20007

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+12023420518

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