Pierced longitudinally for suspension, the scarab is finely carved from steatite then fired with a fine blue/green glaze, the back has no suture of pronotum separation, rather notches occur where pronotum meets the elytra, characteristics of Middle Kingdom to Second Intermediate Period dating (Rowe, 1936: pls. 33-34 no.34).    The legs are naturalistically carved.  The base decoration is beautifully incised with symbolic nefer (beauty and goodness) and udjat protection signs, with "anra" formula cartouche.

Condition:  small loss to the left side of the base, heavy incrustation area to the top right area of the base, small loss to the leg below the head and wear mark to the head but overall intact and in very good condition.  A nice example.

Dimensions:  Length:  5/8 inch

Provenance:  Private Californian collection acquired from Superior Stamp and Coin in 1970 and then by descent.