Egyptian Bronze Statue of a Kneeling Priest

Carved as a square-section column with transverse ribs and a decorative finial, incised transverse lines to the body; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 4.84 grams, 49 mm (8.6 grams total, 64 mm including stand)



Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) collection, Geneva, Switzerland. Private collection, Europe.

The djed pillar signifies the concepts of 'enduring' and 'stability' and was a common funerary amulet from the Old Kingdom onwards. It was first associated with the gods Ptah and Sokar but later became a symbol of Osiris, representing the god's backbone. In this context, the djed pillar appears in Chapter 155 of the Book of the Dead, concerned with the deceased's resurrection. R. Liechti was a distinguished collector of Egyptian antiquities, known for his discerning eye and passion for ancient artefacts. Active during the mid-20th century, Liechti's collection featured a wide range of objects that showcased the rich cultural heritage of ancient Egypt, from intricately carved statuettes to rare amulets and jewellery. His dedication to preserving and studying these relics earned him a respected reputation among scholars and collectors alike. Many pieces from his collection have since found their way into prominent museum collections and auction houses, further solidifying his legacy in the world of antiquities.

Hollow-formed mask with integral tripartite wig and mount for a uraeus; impassive facial detailing and applied gold cosmetic lines to eyes, eyebrows, and lateral chin straps of the braided 'false beard'; segment of the wesekh-collar visible between the lappets of the wig; some restoration; mounted on a custom-made stand within a padded wooden display case. 1.2 kg, 22.5 cm high including stand (3.27 kg total, 27 cm including case)



Old French family collection of Monsieur and Madame D., 1960s. Ex Rennes Enchères, Hôtel des Ventes, France, 11 March 2003, no.117 (front-cover) for 150,000.00 euros. Acquired from Mansour Gallery, London W1, UK, in 2013. From the collection of a Kensington gentleman. Private collection, UK. Accompanied by the original Rennes Enchères catalogue. Accompanied by a copy of French passport no.058205 dated 15 April 2003. Accompanied by a copy of Mansour Gallery’s invoice, 2013. Accompanied by previous typed and illustrated collection cataloguing pages. Accompanied by an academic report by Egyptologist Paul Whelan. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12372-225585.

With globular body and carinated tubular neck, flared rim to the mouth; loop handle to the shoulder and low basal ring; painted radiating strokes to the shoulder, segmented band to the equator with hatching and other decoration. 720 grams, 20.6 cm



Property of a British collector, acquired in the 1980s. From a family collection of a North American gentleman living in the UK.