Egyptian Bronze Kneeling Figure of a King

Carved with lateral triangular lugs and an integral bale. 2 grams, 15 mm



Ex early 20th century collection.

Standing mummiform figure of Osiris wrapped in a body-hugging shroud; the figure wearing a tall Hedjet crown – representing the central element of Osiris’s lateral plume-flanked Atef crown; three vertical slots visible on either side of the preserved crown represent the mortices for the attachment of the separately cast plumes; a raised uraeus at the front of the crown, with a body coil on each side and a slightly undulating tail extending vertically up the crown; the broad face rendered with deeply recessed eyebrows, one still retaining a portion of lapis-lazuli inlay, almond-shaped eyes deeply recessed for inlay, a straight nose, and a small, closed mouth; once inlayed chin straps run from the temples to the chin, where a separately cast divine beard is attached, with deep chevron-like recesses, some retaining traces of blue inlay; arms crossed over the chest, with the hands emerging from the wrappings to hold the god’s traditional attributes – the crook (heka) and flail (nekhakha) – of which only the lowest portions are visible; holes for insertion of the separately fashioned upper parts present at the top of the fists; mounted on wooden base and supplied with custom fitted case. 19 kg total, the case: 89.5 x 36 x 41 cm (10.65 kg total, 69.5 cm high including stand)



with Seiyou Kobijyutsu, Osaka, Japan, 20th century. The acquisition was facilitated by Ichikawa Kiyoshi (September 1897–1976), a prominent consultant to the firm at the time. Private Japanese collection, Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan, acquired in the 1960s by a medical doctor residing in Kumamoto, reportedly on the recommendation of Ichikawa Kiyoshi; thence by descent within the family until 2023. Accompanied by an academic report by Egyptologist Paul Whelan. The sculpture is accompanied by a Japanese wooden fitted box bearing the signature and seal (hanko) of Ichikawa Kiyoshi, supporting the attribution and authenticity. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13192-250114.

As the principal god of the underworld, Osiris was worshipped continuously for more than 2,500 years, from the late Old Kingdom to the Roman period. The deity played a central role in Egyptian funerary belief, and his consistently mummiform imagery became widely incorporated into both royal and non-royal iconography. A major phase in the development of his cult occurred during the Middle Kingdom, when Abydos in Upper Egypt emerged as the principal cult centre and an important pilgrimage site for both royal and non-elite individuals. By the Late Period, the influence of the Osirian cult is clearly reflected in the material record, most notably in the widespread distribution of bronze statuettes across temple sites in Egypt. While such objects are often interpreted as expressions of personal devotion, their standardised forms and large-scale production may equally point to more formalised, institutionally mediated ritual practices.

Modelled in the round kneeling on an integral base and wearing a broad rounded wig, holding a fragmentary offering basin before him; dorsal pillar engraved with a single vertical column of hieroglyphs, translating: 'The Count, Overseer of the Entrance to the Hill Countries, Chief Supervisor of the Shrines [of Neith], Wahibre, son of Paeftchawy'; upper rim of the basin further inscribed with a ritual formula intended to be recited during the presentation of its contents. 107.7 kg total, figure: 40 cm high, fragments: 47-58 cm wide including stand



For the two basalt sections: UK private collection, formed 1970s-1990s. Princely collection, until 2014; thence to a private foundation. Acquired by the current owner from Rupert Wace, London, UK. For the kneeling basalt figure: European private collection, since the mid-19th century. Sold at Christie’s, New York, 8 June 2001, no.114. Sold at Drouot-Richelieu, Paris (Boisgirard), 14 February 2005, no.313. European private collection, acquired at the above sale; thence by descent to the previous owners. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13193-250115.

The figure on this vessel represents the customs official Wahibre, son of Paeftchawy, a well-attested individual known from at least fourteen other sculptures. Additional evidence for Wahibre’s identity is provided by a fragment of his mummiform sarcophagus, found at el-Hagar, within the territory of his native city of Sais. The titles inscribed on his surviving monuments reflect a career that combined priestly responsibilities with significant administrative and military authority. In southern Egypt, Wahibre served as chief customs officer and commanded a contingent of foreign troops tasked with protecting the frontier, probably Greek mercenaries from Caria.