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LOT 0001
Egyptian Bronze Figure of Osiris
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
8 1/4 in. (811 grams total, 21 cm including stand).
Solid cast mummiform figure standing on an integral plinth; the god cloaked in a tight-fitting shroud, sporting the ostrich-plumed atef crown with uraeus, divine beard, and holding the characteristic crook and flail regalia; traces of gilding remain; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
ProvenancePrivate collection, 19th century, thence by descent.
Private collection, Neuchâtel.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12195-222135.
Cf. Roeder, G., Ägyptische Bronzefiguren II, Berlin, 1956, pl. 22e, for similar figurine.
FootnotesOsiris is a deity who represents death and fertility and is commonly regarded as the quintessential god of rebirth. Though he was once a mortal ruler, as a deceased entity, his domain was the Underworld. Abydos was the primary centre of Osiris’s cult, where a renowned yearly celebration of the god was held.
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AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Gold Lotus Type Pendant
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
With palmette motif and filigree hoop. 0.15 grams, 8 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
Flora-form amulets are thought to symbolise new life, like the growing plants they copied. Many gold palmette elements were found in the New Kingdom tomb of Aper-el at Saqqara, featuring pierced holes rather than a hoop for attachment (Cf. Zivie, A., Découverte à Saqqarah: Le vizir oublié, Paris, 1990, p.149 no.94 for examples). -
Egyptian Porphyry Disc-Mace
Neolithic Period, circa 2500-1500 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Circular in plan with worked cutting edge all round, socket with one chamfered face. 556 grams, 14 cm
Probably found Egypt, North Africa. Acquired on the British art market. From the collection of a South West London, UK, specialist Stone Age collector. -
Egyptian Faience Figure of Nefertum
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Estimate: £700 - 900 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
Turquoise faience standing figure of Nefertum in a striding pose with arms at the sides, sporting a black coloured tripartite wig surmounted by the god's distinctive headdress consisting of a lotus flower with two plumes on top; a suspension loop at the back; repaired. 71 grams total, 13 cm including stand
Property from an American deceased estate, acquired between 1970 and 1989. with Bonham's, London, 28 October 2009, no.81 [Part].
Nefertum was closely associated with the creator god Ptah and the goddesses Sekhmet and Bastet. He represented the first sunlight and the sweet scent of the Egyptian blue lotus flower (nymphaea caerulea). According to beliefs, the sun rose from the bloom of a blue lotus, embodying notions of rebirth and rejuvenation. Additionally, as the lotus was seen as a symbol of fertility, it is possible that this amulet was also worn for that purpose.
