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LOT 0024
Egyptian Ceramic Statuette of the God Bes Wearing a Feather Crown
ROMAN PERIOD, 2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
9 1/2 in. (362 grams, 24 cm).
Standing on a pillar and wearing a feather crown and a panther skin cloak, his hands resting on his knees, large protruding ears and grimacing expression.
ProvenanceThe Erotica Collection Christian von Faber-Castell, Küsnacgt ZH, Switzerland, since the late 1970s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. Weber, W., Die ägyptisch-griechischen terrakotten, Berlin, 1914, pl.25, no. 251, for similar.
FootnotesChristian von Faber-Castell (born 1950) is a renowned German entrepreneur and art collector, best known as a member of the prominent Faber-Castell family, famed for their iconic writing instruments. A passionate advocate for art and culture, Christian von Faber-Castell curated an extensive and diverse private collection of erotica spanning centuries and cultures. His collection reflects a deep appreciation for the interplay of beauty, sensuality, and artistic expression, bringing together rare and unique works that explore themes of intimacy and human connection. Pieces from this collection have been featured in notable exhibitions and are celebrated for their artistic and historical significance. This offering represents a rare opportunity to acquire works from one of the most fascinating and eclectic private collections of its kind.
Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities from the New Kingdom onwards. Despite his somewhat fearful appearance, Bes was the patron and protector of pregnant women and children and was also believed to protect from snakes.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0024
Egyptian Ceramic Statuette of the God Bes Wearing a Feather Crown
Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
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Egyptian Artefact Collection
Late-Coptic Period, 664 B.C.-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Including textile fragment, spindle whorl, shabti and other items. 41 grams total, 1.4-11 cm
From an old English collection. The shabti acquired from Den of Antiquity in 2011. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Egyptian Ithyphallic Terracotta Reclining Figure
Ptolemaic Period, 3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Probably depicting young Harpocrates, holding his weight on his left arm, enormous phallus resting between his spread legs, shaved head and side-lock braid. 319 grams, 13 cm vwide
The Erotica Collection Christian von Faber-Castell, Küsnacgt ZH, Switzerland, since the late 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
A few early Hellenistic terracotta figures show the ithyphallic youth Harpocrates reclining on his phallus, usually depicted (when preserved) with a bald or shaved head and side-lock, sometimes in Macedonian dress. Some in this form have hermaphrodite-like features, although this may be little more than just the representation of a plump baby. Christian von Faber-Castell (born 1950) is a renowned German entrepreneur and art collector, best known as a member of the prominent Faber-Castell family, famed for their iconic writing instruments. A passionate advocate for art and culture, Christian von Faber-Castell curated an extensive and diverse private collection of erotica, spanning centuries and cultures. His collection reflects a deep appreciation for the interplay of beauty, sensuality, and artistic expression, bringing together rare and unique works that explore themes of intimacy and human connection. Pieces from this collection have been featured in notable exhibitions and are celebrated for their artistic and historical significance. This offering represents a rare opportunity to acquire works from one of the most fascinating and eclectic private collections of its kind. -
Egyptian Silver Hathor Amulet
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
D-shaped mask representing the human-headed Hathor with cow ears and a short beard, with a ribbed suspension loop above. 0.66 grams, 10 mm
From an early 20th century collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
