Egyptian Blue Faience Shabti Group

A blue-glazed faience amulet of the creator god Ptah in the form of the dwarf god Pataikos, modelled nude with stylised anatomical detailing, holding two knives to his stomach, squatting on an oval base; a scarab on the top of his cap; ribbed suspension loop to reverse; mounted on a custom-made display base. 29.6 grams total, 66 mm high including stand



Ex private French collection. with Thierry Maigret, Hotel Drouot, Paris, 12 July 2005, 76.

The Egyptian deity Pataikos is a special manifestation of the creator god Ptah, and the dwarf-like appearance symbolises his magical power. As a protective deity, amulets of Pataikos were worn for their apotropaic qualities; Pataikos was often depicted subjugating poisonous animals such as snakes and scorpions, and Pataikos amulets were probably worn to protect the wearer from such animals. Ptah was the god of Egypt's capital city Memphis and master craftsman of the gods, known for his benevolent and approachable character. Ptah is attested from the beginning of ancient Egypt’s dynastic history and was a creator god, a god of craftsmen, and the patron deity of the Memphite region. The principal temple of the god was located in the city of Memphis. The fragmentary back pillar on this statuette indicates that it was most probably a temple offering, originally inscribed with an invocation to Ptah together with the donor’s name. Such votive figurines with back pillars naming the god and the dedicator occur in various materials, including faience and stone.

A gilt stucco sphinx from a funerary catafalque, lying couchant on a sub-rectangular base with stylised anatomical and facial detailing; accompanied by a custom-made wooden display base. 36 grams, 75 mm long (155 grams total, 10.8 cm including base)

Fine condition.

From a mid 20th century collection (based on the stand). With Richard Gill, Eternal Egypt, London SW19, 1990s. Acquired 31 August 1993. Property of a South Oxfordshire private collector. Accompanied by original invoice no.10575, dated 31 August 1993, and associated correspondence.

A bronze staff or sceptre terminal formed as a priest of Anubis with jackal's head and human body, standing and wearing a tightly-draped toga with right hand extended in a fist; square base and socket to the underside. 223 grams, 12.7 cm high



Private collection, since 1989. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11604-199678.

Anubis was the ancient Egyptian god of the dead - represented in jackal form or in the form of a jackal-headed man - and one of ancient Egypt's most iconic deities. Originally god of the underworld, he was eventually associated more specifically with the embalming process and funerary rites. His fur was generally depicted as black owing to the association of that colour with fertility and beliefs regarding rebirth in the afterlife.