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LOT 0454
Egyptian Female Fertility Figurine Plaque
LATE PERIOD-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-31 B.C.
6 3/4 in. (502 grams total, 17.1 cm including stand).
Carved rectangular plaque with central recess, carved image of a nude female modelled in the half-round with a deeply striated bag wig, arms by her side; traces of red and black pigment on the body; mounted on a custom-made stand.
ProvenanceFrom a central London collection, formed 1980-2000.
From the private collection of Mr David Barker, London, UK; thence by descent.
Cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art inv. no. 23.6.78, for a similar figurine in a shrine niche.
FootnotesThe rectangular limestone plaque almost certainly represents a shrine. Such plaques first appeared in Lower Egypt and became widespread in the Late Period and Ptolemaic era. They may have developed from earlier female figurines depicted on beds and are usually associated with the female goddesses Isis and Hathor, both powerful protectors of women and childbirth and associated with fertility.
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LOT 0454
Egyptian Female Fertility Figurine Plaque
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
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Large Egyptian Bronze Oxyrhynchus Fish of Per-Medjed
Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Estimate: £6,000 - 8,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £3,000
Modelled in the round on a sledge attached by ventral and pectoral fins, forked tail, dorsal ridge, tapering nose; recessed circular eyes with enamel fill; horned sun disc headdress fronted by a uraeus and a suspension loop behind. 585 grams, 17 cm
Acquired from Gallery Reiner, Paris, 1981. Private collection, Europe. Accompanied by a copy of French passport no.150583 dated 29 November 2013. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12375-226676.
The Medjed, a type of elephant-snout fish (Mormyrus kannume), was revered in ancient Egyptian religion, particularly in Per-Medjed, better known by its Greek name, Oxyrhynchus Polis. This version of the name, meaning "city of the sharp-nosed," reflects the fish's distinctive appearance as depicted in Egyptian art. These fish were believed to have consumed the penis of Osiris, the god who was dismembered and scattered by his brother Seth. As sacred creatures, figurines of the Medjed were often adorned with a horned sun-disc headdress worn by the goddesses Hathor and Isis, suggesting a close association with both. Some figurines, like this example, featured suspension loops, allowing them to be worn as pendant amulets. -
Egyptian Bronze Ring with Hieroglyphic Motto
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
With slim loop and cartouche-shaped bezel inscribed with hieroglyphs ı͗mn-sꜢ-nb.s, 'Amun lord (of) her protection'. 4.30 grams, 21.48 mm overall, 14.60 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G, USA 3 1/4, Europe 4.92, Japan 4)
From an early 20th century collection. -
Egyptian Gold Cobra Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Depicting a rearing cobra with incised detailing and a suspension loop behind the head. 0.15 grams, 12 mm
From the private collection of the late Mrs Belinda Ellison, a long time member of the Egyptian Exploration Society, c.1940-2020.
