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LOT 0004
Egyptian Limestone Miniature Obelisk with Hieroglyphs
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
8 1/4 in. (444 grams total, 21 cm high).
With tapering sides and pointed top, incised vertical column of hieroglyphic text to one face: ẖry-ḥbt ḳbḥ ḥtp mr-mšꜥ imn, ''lector-priest' (give) purified offering (to the) general of the army (of) Amun'; mounted on a custom-made stand.
ProvenanceAcquired in Egypt in the early 20th century.
Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK.
Cf. similar in the collection of the British Museum under accession no.EA495.
FootnotesIn ancient Egypt, it was common for small obelisks like this one to be placed on either side of the entrance to private tombs. Typically inscribed on one side only, these obelisks held great solar religious significance and were closely associated with the cult of the sun-god Re. They symbolised the ancient Egyptians' belief in the rebirth of the deceased, with the moment of revivification being characterised by the individual's face being illuminated by the rays of the rising sun. It was said that, at that moment, the deceased was able to "open their sight to see the sun-god," as one religious text explains.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0004
Egyptian Limestone Miniature Obelisk with Hieroglyphs
Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,460
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Egyptian Bronze Kneeling Priest Statuette
Late Period, circa 664–332 B.C.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £750
The male figure of a kneeling supplicant with back pillar inscribed with hieroglyphic text: 'Neith gives life [to] ...'. 54 grams total, 76 mm including stand
Private collection S., Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, acquired in the first half of the 20th century. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate number S00140657, dated 23 October 2018.
This figure was likely attached to a separately cast base and positioned kneeling before a larger figure of the goddess Neith. Such objects were donated to temples to secure the god or goddess's protection for the donor, represented by the kneeling figure. -
Egyptian Amulet Collection
New Kingdom-Late Period, 1550-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,080
Comprising: white rectangular bead with Tilapia fish in high-relief and two cobras flanking a hem ideogram; turquoise frog on heater-shaped base with serpent to the underside; green scaraboid with wedjat to the carapace, Hathor sistrum with cow's horns to the underside; green ram-headed scaraboid with hieroglyphs to the underside; green cylinder with scarab motif; green wedjat with a cartouche of Thutmose III to the reverse; green rectangular bead with djed pillar flanked by ostrich feathers and incuse hieroglyphs to the reverse. 14.3 grams total, 14-27 mm
Two amulets with Bonhams, London, Knightsbridge, UK, 3 October 2000, lot 385 [Part]. Private Swiss collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11593-198956. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. -
Egyptian Faience Sekhmet Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £598
Glazed composition amuletic pendant of lioness-headed goddess Sekhmet seated on a throne with sceptre held to her chest. 4.75 grams, 39 mm
From the collection of Mr A.M. Ex Artemission, London SW5, UK. Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK. Accompanied by a previous dealer's certificate of authenticity and invoice.