Egyptian Alabaster Bowl

Modelled in the round squatting on an ellipsoid base, lug to the underside, repaired. 114 grams, 60 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

The ibis, particularly the sacred species known as the Egyptian ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), held a prominent place in ancient Egyptian religion and culture as a manifestation of the god Thoth. Revered as the deity of wisdom, writing, and knowledge, Thoth was often depicted in human form with the head of an ibis. During the Late Period onwards, the practice of mummifying ibises became widespread, leading to the creation of vast necropolises dedicated to these sacred birds. In places like Saqqara and Hermopolis, thousands of ibis mummies have been discovered in specially constructed catacombs. The mummification of these birds was not merely a ritual act; it was seen as a sacred offering to Thoth, meant to honour the god and seek his favour. Egyptians believed that by preserving the ibis through mummification, they could ensure its safe passage to the afterlife, establishing a direct connection between the earthly realm and the divine. These mummies were often accompanied by votive offerings, like this bronze figurine, further emphasising the relationship between the ibises and Thoth.

Of mummiform type, wearing a tripartite wig, stylised facial features with large ears, hands crossed at the chest; a contrasting green-glazed frontal column of hieroglyphic text with a cartouche which reads wsỉr nswt wrt Ꜣst-nfr.t, ‘The Osiris, the great king's wife Iset-nofret’. 88 grams, 10.8 cm



Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995. with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1, UK, 1998-2003. Property of a London based academic, 2003-present. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12373-226026.

Several late New Kingdom queens were named Iset-nofret, but this particular example is likely associated with one of the two wives of Ramesses II who had the same name. One of these queens gave birth to Prince Khaemwaset and is mentioned on monuments erected by him. While it is possible that the queen's shabtis were used for funerary purposes, Khaemwaset is known to have placed his own shabtis as votives in non-sepulchral locations in the Memphite necropolises, and it is possible that he also did the same with shabtis naming his mother. For a discussion of the Ramesside queens with this name, see Tyldesley, J., Chronicle of the Queens of Egypt, London, 2006, p.154ff.

Modelled in the shape of a poppy seed with a flat foot leading to a globular body with a tapering neck attached to a small loop at the top for suspension. 3.29 grams total, 16-17 mm



From an early 20th century collection.

Amulets in the form of poppies were used to heal and alleviate pain and to ward off death. These types of amulets were also linked to Osiris, the Egyptian deity of agriculture, death, and the afterlife.