Late Period, 6th century B.C. A lapis lazuli scarab seal with stylised detailing to the carapace and legs, incuse winged gryphon to base; drilled for suspension. Cf. Masson, A., 'Scarabs, scaraboids and amulets' in Villing, A., Bergeron, M., Bourogiannis, G., Johnston, A., Leclere, F., Masson, A., Thomas, R., Naukratis: Greeks in Egypt, London, 2018, fig.42. 2.89 grams, 16 mm (5/8 in.). Acquired 1970-1999. Ex private London collection of Mr S.M., Mayfair, UK. Scarabs, scaraboids and other amulets, as well as moulds used for their production, account for a large portion of the material found at Naukratis, produced by a scarab factory, a workshop in activity in early 6th century B.C. Originating in the north-east regions of Afghanistan, lapis lazuli was a highly prized material in the production of amulets from the Predynastic period onwards. The motif of the gryphon, used on Egyptian scarabs as early as the 18th Dynasty, was particularly appreciated among the Greek colonists in Egypt, for whom Naukratis was a main residential centre.