Egyptian Revival 800 Silver Enamel Figurative Pendant with Malachite

This is part of Chairish’s Costume Jewelry assortment.

This is an interesting Egyptian Revival Figurative Pendant. Standing atop a building covered with hieroglyphs, an Egyptian male stands erect holding a staff in one hand and an Ankh in the other. There is a doorway or passage with a palm tree pictured on the other side. The piece is made out of 800 silver and has colourful enamel in the recesses of the building and figure. It is rendered in great detail. At the bottom is a polished half circle of Malachite, most likely representing the sun. At the top is a bail for hanging on a chain to be used as a pendant. This wonderful piece stands 3 7/8″ from the top of the bail to the end of the malachite and is 1″ wide. It is marked 800 and is in very good condition with some small loss to the enamel. It weighs 16 grammes and was made during the 1920 Egyptian Revival Period.

The Egyptian Revival style flourished in the 1920’s and coincided with the discovery of King Tutankhamen”s tomb. The winged scarab was a symbol in ancient Egyptian cultures representing good luck. The scarab is also the symbol of the god Khepera, who rolled the ball of the sun across the sky to “rebirth” every morning, represented resurrection and life. The Ankh represents the concept of eternal life.