Egyptian Faience Shabti for Hor-sa-Iset

Trapezoidal fragment bearing a low-relief depiction of a Ptolemaic king shown in profile, with characteristic plump cheeks, slightly upturned mouth, and internally detailed ear, wearing a long false beard, the Red or Dual Crown of Egypt with uraeus to the front, and a broad collar; the lower part of a cartouche to the right. 405 grams, 11 cm



Léon Rodrigues-Ely (1924–1973), Marseille, France. with Christie's, Paris, 6 May 2015, no.93. Private collection, Europe. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00104585. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12369-226941.

Léon Rodrigues-Ely (1924–1973) was a prominent French collector based in Marseille, known for his keen interest in fine art and antiquities. Throughout his life, Rodrigues-Ely assembled an eclectic and esteemed collection, particularly focusing on European and Mediterranean artifacts. His passion for collecting was fuelled by a deep appreciation for history and culture, and he was well-regarded among art dealers and scholars alike. Many of the pieces in his collection were acquired from significant galleries and private collections across Europe, reflecting his dedication to preserving cultural heritage. Rodrigues-Ely’s collection continued to be highly sought after following his death, with several pieces passing through prestigious auction houses, cementing his legacy in the art world.

Two-part wooden (sycamore?) falcon-headed mummiform coffin carved from a single piece of wood, with a tripartite wig and human ears, painted detailing to the eyes, and broad decorative collar; the whole covered with black paint with traces of yellow decoration and inscriptions; inside a mummified falcon wrapped in linen strips. 2.3 kg, 49.5 cm



Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, formed between 1950-1990s. Accompanied by a copy of an old collection inventory note. 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.12074-218220.

This falcon-headed coffin once contained a so-called 'corn mummy' - a mummiform effigy impregnated with grain, which germinated. Such 'corn mummies' were associated with Osirian regeneration, fertility, and rebirth concepts. The falcon-headed coffin was associated with the powerful funerary deity Sokar-Osiris or Ptah-Sokar-Osiris. It seems that the original contents of this coffin were either lost or discarded and replaced with a mummified bird (falcon?). Interestingly, the most significant number of falcon-headed coffins come from Tuna el-Gebel, the site of an extensive animal mummy necropolis.

Carved in a typical pose, sitting on its haunches with its tail curving around the right side, its front paws resting on its knees and protruding beneath its thick furry pelt, with incised detailing, its feet either side of the phallus, the head with bulbous, striated hair on either side, chipped, snout restored; seated on a high shrine-shaped plinth with squared front and rounded back, featuring a cavetto cornice and roll detailing on the upper part. 1.15 kg, 15 cm



From a deceased American estate, 1970-1989. with Bonham's, London, 28 October 2009, no.35. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonham's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12368-226706.

The baboon was an animal manifestation of the god Thoth, who was revered for his association with knowledge, writing, and healing.