Egyptian Schist Cosmetic Mortar

A substantial figure of the ram-headed god Khnum advancing, wearing a tripartite wig with low central modius drilled for a separately cast headdress and finely pleated kilt, with ram's horns and eyes recessed for inlay, raised left hand, the right arm along the side; mounted on a custom-made stand. 466 grams, 22 cm high (803 grams total, 23.8 cm high including stand)

Bronze H: 19.6 cm, W: 5.4 cm, D: 6.9 cm Condition Surface has been extensively cleaned, in fair condition.

With Stendahl Art Gallery, Los Angeles, by at least circa 1950s, accompanied by an inventory card #39, with a matching number on the original base, and a photograph. Private collection, Hollywood, California, acquired from the above, circa 1950s. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate, no.S00256888. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no. 13240-251804.

The god Khnum (or Khnemu), the 'Moulder', was one of the earliest gods of Egypt, worshipped especially at Philae and Elephantine, both in Nubia. He was thought to have made mankind out of clay on a potter's wheel. It was Khnum who helped Isis to gather the severed fragments of the body of the god Osiris and reassemble them. He was considered the father of the gods, along with Amun-Ra and Ptah.

Square in plan with transverse piercing, obverse with three panels: the left bearing a cartouche surmounted by two plumes containing the pharaoh’s birth name, i͗Ꜥms sꜢ nt (Ahmose, son (of) Neith); the right, a similar cartouche containing his throne name, ẖnm-i͗b-RꜤ (He who embraces the heart of Re); the centre inscription reads, ḥpw Ꜥnḫ sꜢ ḥpt(?) (the living Apis, son [of] Hepet?) two with a cartouche for Amasis, text to the centre. 4.96 grams, 26 mm



Ex private collection, Germany. with Galerie Günter Puhze, Freiburg, Germany, prior to 2003. Private collection, acquired on the German art market, 2004. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13186-249203.

The three-column text arrangement closely resembles that of another rectangular spacer bead, engraved with Ahmose II’s cartouches flanking a central inscription, now held at The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore (accession number 42.377). Although the central inscription differs in content, the bead’s connection to the Apis bull is shown on the opposite side, where the sacred animal is depicted. Amasis II (Egyptian: Ahmose II), fifth king of the 26th Dynasty (Saite Period), reigned c. 570–526 BC. Rising to power after overthrowing Apries, Amasis presided over a period of renewed stability and prosperity in Late Period Egypt. His reign is characterised by administrative reform, economic growth, and an active foreign policy, including close diplomatic and commercial relations with the Greek world, evidenced by Greek mercenaries in Egyptian service and the granting of Naukratis as a trading enclave. Amasis undertook extensive temple building and restoration programmes throughout Egypt, particularly at Sais, Memphis, and in Upper Egypt, consciously aligning himself with earlier pharaonic traditions. His royal titulary appears widely on monuments, scarabs, amulets, and architectural elements, often reflecting an emphasis on divine legitimacy and Maʿat. Amasis died shortly before the Persian conquest of Egypt under Cambyses II; his reign represents the final florescence of independent Egyptian kingship before Achaemenid rule.

Mixed group of fragments, including two from a shabti figure. 75 grams total, 26-53 mm



From the late collection of a Cornish couple, formed from the early 1990s.