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.

08/30/2026

A superb Hellenistic Gold and Glass Crescent Pendant, ca. 2nd century BCE
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A beautiful crescent-shaped gold lunula pendant, masterfully crafted from high-karat gold and featuring a central suspension loop. The pendant is bordered along the outer edge with finely twisted gold braid, framing the form with rich visual texture. The lower edge is adorned with an intricate floral motif composed of applied gold wire and granules, demonstrating the high level of artistry and advanced goldsmithing techniques.

Embedded across the upper surface are six inset enamelled glass cabochons, likely intended as symbolic embellishments, possibly representing celestial or protective symbols. The crescent (lunula) shape, combined with decorative floral and celestial themes, strongly evokes associations with feminine divinity, protection, and lunar power, particularly in Roman and Hellenistic cultures.

The pendant has been paired with a modern hand-plaited chain in 24K yellow gold, making it suitable for contemporary wear while honoring its ancient origins. Blending ancient artistry with contemporary sophistication, this stunning investment piece offers timeless beauty that is destined to be treasured for generations to come.

Medium: Gold, glass

Dimensions: Pendant width: 1 1/8 inches (2.9 cm). Handmade 24K gold chain: 20 in (60 cm).

Condition: The pendant is intact and in excellent condition overall.

Provenance: Private New Jersey collection, assembled in the 1970s - 2000s.

08/30/2026

An Egyptian Limestone Stele Fragment, New Kingdom, early 18th Dynasty, Reign of Ahhotep I (c. 1575-1530 BCE) - Amenhotep I (c. 1525-1504 BCE)
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This finely carved fragmentary upper section of a New Kingdom limestone stele depicts a deceased male figure seated before an offering table, participating in a traditional funeral banquet. He is dressed in a short wig, collar, and kilt and is positioned on a backrest in front of the offering table, which is adorned with numerous offerings. His right hand is extended toward the offerings, while his left hand, placed across his chest in a symbol of rebirth, holds a folded bolt of white linen. Linen represents purity and eternal life, underscoring the stele's function as a lasting invocation for remembrance and ritual nourishment.

The items have been arranged vertically atop the offering table to clearly display each type of food being offered. In this fragment, only the round and conical loaves of bread are visible; however, there would typically be other offerings, such as fruits, vegetables, and beverages like b**r or w**e. Food and drink offerings were common on these tables as they symbolized the nourishment provided to the deceased in the afterlife.

Above the scene is the remains of a large udjat (healing eye) symbol, further emphasizing the connection to protection and health in the afterlife. The fine quality of the carving reflects the sophisticated artistry of the 18th Dynasty.

On stele type see: S. Guichard, Jean-François Champollion, Notice descriptive des monuments égyptiens du musée Charles X (Paris 2013), pp. 322-323 (N 234-C 83).
A. Grimm / S. Schoske (eds.), In the Sign of the Moon. Egypt at the Beginning of the New K...

08/29/2026

An Egyptian Faience Shabti for the Royal Sem-Priest Hori, 19th Dynasty, ca. 1293 - 1185 BCE
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Shabtis of this style belonged to the prophet priests of Ptah at Memphis who had a semi-royal status (cf. J.F. Aubert, Statuettes Egyptiennes, Paris, 1974, p. 91). This example is shown as a mummiform figure made from white faience with features carefully highlighted in dark pigment, particularly his striking wide black eyes. He wears a short black wig with a curled side-lock, a small goatee, and a wide broad collar around his neck. There is a hoe in each hand, used for work in the afterlife, and on his back is a wide seed sack. A single column of vertical text runs down the front that reads: “Illuminate, the Osiris, the sem-priest, Hori.”

Hori was the son of the prince Khaemweset, the grandson of Ramesses II, and the nephew of the pharaoh Merenptah. Hori was a member of the high priests of Ptah in Memphis and succeeded Nefer-renpet in this office, Sem-priest of Ptah, and also carried the title of ‘ruler of the craftsmen’. He became the high priest of Ptah in Memphis in the year 65/66 of the reign of Ramsses II and continued to serve under his uncle Merenptah. [Bart, A. Ancient Egypt - Ramesses II (2007)]

For related examples see:

Decker, S. 'Uschebti – Agyptische Dienerfiguren einer deutschen Privatsammlung', Kempen (2005), pp. 54 - 55

Weise, A. 'Agyptische Kunstwerke aus der Sammlung Hans & Sonja Humbel', Basel (2014) pp. 84 - 85 no. 37

Medium: Faience

Dimensions: Height: 5 5/8 inches (14.3 cm)

Condition: The shabti is intact and in excellent condition overall. A fine example.

Provenance: Probably excavated from the Memphis, Serap...

08/29/2026

Malcolm Maloney Jagamarra (Australian, b. 1955), Lander River
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Title: Lander RiverMedium: Acrylic on canvas (unstretched)Signed and titled: VersoDimensions: 39 x 70 1/2 in. (99.1 x 179.1 cm)Condition: Excellent; colors remain vivid and the surface is stable. Minor edge handling as is typical for unstretched works.

This large-scale acrylic painting, titled Lander River, by renowned Warlpiri artist Malcolm Maloney Jagamarra, exemplifies Central Desert painting traditions. The composition features a flowing white serpentine form representing the Lander River, surrounded by stylized snakes, goannas, and concentric dot formations symbolic of ancestral travel lines and Dreamtime narratives. Jagamarra’s work reflects both a deep spiritual connection to his land and a mastery of contemporary Aboriginal visual language.

Rendered in a palette of ochre yellows, deep reds, and white, the canvas is marked by rhythmic energy and intricate dotting techniques. The use of repeated wavy lines and symbolic clusters reflects Warlpiri iconography and topographic memory, offering insight into Indigenous cartography and spiritual geography.

Jagamarra is the son of highly influential artist Paddy Japaljarri Sims and has exhibited internationally, with works held in prominent institutions and private collections.

08/29/2026

Gift Idea of the Day:
Roman Gold & Banded Agate Finger Ring with Intaglio of Fortuna, Roman Imperial Period, ca. 1st - 2nd century CE

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A finely crafted Roman gold finger ring of elegant proportions, featuring a rounded, tapering shank that expands to a broad oval bezel set with a striking banded agate intaglio. Expertly engraved upon the gemstone is the standing figure of Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune, prosperity, and fate. She is depicted wearing a long, flowing, draped garment and holding a cornucopia, the traditional symbol of abundance and divine favor.

Fortuna was among the most widely venerated deities of the Roman world. Her image appeared on coins, sculptures, and personal adornments, reflecting a desire for prosperity, success, and protection against life's uncertainties. Intaglio rings such as this served not only as items of personal jewelry but also as signet rings, their engraved devices capable of impressing wax seals on documents and correspondence.

The choice of Fortuna as the engraved subject likely reflects the owner's desire for good luck, prosperity, and success in everyday life. The use of banded agate was particularly prized in Roman glyptic art. Its hardness and subtle layers allowed skilled engravers to create detailed miniature images that combined artistic refinement with practical function. The warm gold setting complements the dark stone and emphasizes the quality of both materials.

Medium: Banded agate, gold

Dimensions: US ring size 8½ (UK=Q 1/2, DE=20, CH=17, FR=58.3, EU=58.3, JP=17)

Condition: Intact and well preserved. The intaglio remains sharply engraved and clearly depicts Fortuna holding a cornucopia. Minor surface wear consistent with age.

Provenance: Private New York city collection, acquired pr...

08/28/2026

This pendant is a piece of history you can wear.

Discover the allure of the large Peruvian Crystal Drop Pendant from the Chancay Period, dating back to 1000 - 1470 BCE. Its exquisite craftsmanship and serene radiance evoke a sense of wonder, promising to elevate your style and immerse you in the rich heritage of ancient cultures. Perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any outfit or as a unique conversation starter on special occasions.

Don't miss the chance to own this timeless treasure. Secure your pendant now before it disappears into history! $1000

Shop Now https://sandsoftimedc.com/products/pj2006

08/28/2026

A Egyptian Green Glazed Faience Scaraboid, New Kingdom, ca. 1550 - 1069 BCE
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Pierced longitudinally for threading, the base of this scaraboid inscribed with the text "The image of Amun“.

Amun, once a local Theban deity, rose to become the 'King of the Gods' in ancient Egypt—his name meaning 'The Hidden One.' When the Theban princes drove out the Hyksos and founded the Eighteenth Dynasty, Amun became pre-eminent; united with the sun god to give him universal appeal, and Amen-Re became king of the gods.

Medium: Faience

Condition: Intact and in excellent condition overall.

Dimensions: Max length: 1.3 cm (0.5 inch)

Provenance: Private Massachusetts collection, acquired from the London trade in the late 1980s - early 1990s.

Address

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

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

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