Egyptian Blue Faience Ushabti

The scarab carved with simple anatomical detailing with two columns of hieroglyphs to base, including a djed pillar; set in a later gold swivel bezel with beaded edge supported by a tapering, round-section grooved hoop. 2.91 grams, 24.16 mm overall, 21.04 mm internal diameter



Collected from 1970-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information card.

The djed pillar was associated with the god Ptah, and from the New Kingdom onwards it was associated with the god Osiris, meaning stability, rejuvenation and regeneration. Thus it was used by both the living and the dead, formed of a variety of materials.

With a tall, flaring cup rounded at the base, attached to a short stem supported on a flared foot; the outside of the cup decorated with petals modelled in relief and a ribbed rim; the stem and foot plain; some restoration. 126 grams, 16 cm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12099-214088.

Faience chalices shaped like the flowers of the blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) first appeared in the 18th Dynasty. The blue lotus chalices were believed to have been used for cultic or votive purposes in temples or in rituals offered to the dead. Known as 'Seshen' by the ancient Egyptians, the blue lotus was a symbol of solar concepts associated with rebirth, probably because its flowers opened in the morning and closed at night. Hence, it is not surprising to find that the lotus was prominently featured in ancient Egyptian funerary art, particularly in banqueting scenes honouring the deceased, and in bouquets that adorned the coffin and bier of the deceased. It is also believed that the flower petals were used to make perfume, and that the ancient Egyptians took advantage of the lotus's narcotic properties. The extracted essence was added to wine to enhance its pleasurable effects, as depicted in banqueting scenes with intoxicated guests.

The piriform vessel with rounded base, two integral lug handles to the neck; fractured above the neck. 139 grams, 97 mm high



Acquired in Europe before 1992.