Egyptian Indurated Limestone Frog-Shaped Cosmetic Vessel

PREDYNASTIC PERIOD, LATE NAQADA I-NAQADA II, CIRCA 3700-3300 B.C.

2 1/2 in. (165 grams, 63 mm).

Squat ovoid in profile, modelled with the legs folded beneath the body, with hollow socket eyes, flared rim to mouth; copper lug on either side.

Provenance

Ex collection of Madame Kismet Pilati, acquired in Vienna and London in 1976.
with Bonhams, London, 24th October 2012, no.284 (£30,000-£50,000).
Property of a London lady, part of her family's Swiss collection.

Accompanied by an academic report by Egyptologist Paul Whelan.
Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12101-213115.

Literature

Cf. Patch, D.C., Dawn of Egyptian Art, New Haven/London, 2011, pp.30-31, Cat. nos.17-18, for discussion and similar examples; the modelling of the frog on this vessel, with the definition of the limbs achieved in raised relief rather than being individually modelled, is closer to an example in the Brooklyn Museum no.37.648E, and Penn Museum no.E9665.

CONDITION

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LOT 0029