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LOT 0413
Egyptian Ithyphallic Terracotta Reclining Figure
PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 3RD CENTURY B.C.
5 1/8 in. (319 grams, 13 cm vwide).
Probably depicting young Harpocrates, holding his weight on his left arm, enormous phallus resting between his spread legs, shaved head and side-lock braid. [No Reserve]
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. Ross, T., ‘Egyptian Late Period figures in terracotta and limestone’ in Villing, A., Beregeron, M., Bourogiannis, G., Johnston, A., Leclere, F., Masson. A., Ross, T., Naukratis, Greeks in Egypt, London, 2015, pp.1-79, fig.109, for a similar reclining Harpocrates.
FootnotesA 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.
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Egyptian Hardstone Menat Amulet Group
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Lapis lazuli, carnelian, and schist (?) menat amulets, each with a distinctive keyhole shape and broad ribbed bale. 5.38 grams total, 20-22 mm
From a private collection acquired by the previous owner's father in the 1950s. Ex TimesAncient, Bristol, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue entry. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The menat was a counterpoise that hung at the back of a heavy ornamental collar and was closely associated with the goddess Hathor. Amulets representing the counterpoise were thought to bring good luck, protect against evil spirits, and safeguard the wearer in the afterlife. Their Hathoric connection symbolised fertility and good health for women while representing virility for men. -
Egyptian Faience Mummy Beadwork Mask
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £676
A netted beadwork panel of annular and tubular glazed composition beads depicting a mummy face mask with a false beard, a scarab with extended wings below, and beneath the 'Four Sons of Horus’, Hapy, Imsety, Qebehsenuef, and Duamutef, joined together with areas of open netting of tubular examples; restrung with some later beads. 145 grams, 32 cm
Mariaud de Serres, Paris, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The Four Sons of Horus were deities responsible for protecting the deceased's internal organs. The human-headed Imsety protected the liver, the baboon-headed Hapy protected the lungs, the jackal-headed Duamutef protected the stomach, and the falcon-headed Qebehsenuef protected the intestines. These internal organs were often placed in canopic jars with the head of the respective Son of Horus. -
Egyptian Pink Quartz Scarab
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £350 - 450 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £175
Carved with deep sides and carapace detailing to the upper face, pierced. 19.82 grams, 33 mm
From the private collection of the late Mrs Belinda Ellison, a long time member of the Egyptian Exploration Society, c.1940-2020. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
