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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 Painted Cartonnage Cartouche Fragment
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-31 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Two large moulded fragments of cartonnage with polychrome painted decoration; mounted in a glazed frame. 824 grams including frame, 25.2 x 25.2 cm
Ex M.S. Ciappara collection, Norfolk, UK, 1939-1950. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Egyptian Faience Necklace with Pendant
New Kingdom, 1400-1100 B.C.Estimate: £700 - 900 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
Restrung group of tubular and fusiform faience beads with D-shaped pendant and two tiers of dangles beneath. 48 grams, 80 cm long
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Egyptian Multi-Stranded Mummy Bead Necklace
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Multi-stranded designer necklace composed of beads of mainly annular and cylindrical types. 26 grams, 76 cm
Acquired before 1979. From the private collection of Mr F.A., South Kensington, London, UK; thence by descent 2014. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
For thousands of years, artisans in Egypt created vibrant ceramics to echo the beauty of rare jewels. These ornaments were created with almost every material, colour, and texture imaginable and they come from across Egypt and beyond: vibrant blue lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, glossy black obsidian from Turkey, and aqua-green turquoise from the Sinai. They were worn in life and, after death, they served as precious ornamentation for mummies.