Egyptian Steatite Fish Amulet with Horse

A fitting or pommel made for King Ramesses II, his throne name (User-Maat-Re Setep-en-Re) inscribed within a cartouche topped by two ostrich feathers framing a solar disc; the cartouche positioned above the hieroglyphic sign nbw, which signifying 'gold' and alluded to the luminous radiance of the royal name; two uraei flanking the cartouche, wearing the White Crown of Upper Egypt and the Red Crown of Lower Egypt, respectively; the throne name roughly translating as 'The justice of Re is powerful, chosen of Re'; a square-shaped socket located at the back for attachment; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 475 grams total, 14 cm including stand



Formerly with G. Janes, Manchester, UK and collection Galerie Nefer. Previously with Cybele Galerie Librairie Egyptologie, Paris, France. From an important English collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Alberto Maria Pollastrini. Accompanied by a copy of the Cybele invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.10740-177442.

The epithet part of the throne name Setep en Re appears in Ramesses II's royal titulary from Year 2 of his reign. The two rearing cobras, which symbolise the goddesses Nekhbet and Wadjet, also represent the unity of the Two Lands under Ramesses II's rule. A similar green faience fitting bearing Ramesses II's throne name is kept in the Archaeological Collection of Zürich (inv. no. 3702). Similar objects linked to the 18th Dynasty kings Akhenaten and Ay show that such fittings were not limited to the 19th Dynasty. They may even have influenced later designs, as the fitting of King Ay, possibly from a piece of heirloom furniture, was found among the tomb goods of Nefertari, Ramesses II’s “Chief Queen”.

Carved in a typical pose, sitting on its haunches with its tail curving around the right side, its front paws resting on its knees and protruding beneath its thick furry pelt, with incised detailing, its feet either side of the phallus, the head with bulbous, striated hair on either side, chipped, snout restored; seated on a high shrine-shaped plinth with squared front and rounded back, featuring a cavetto cornice and roll detailing on the upper part. 1.15 kg, 15 cm



From a deceased American estate, 1970-1989. with Bonhams, London, 28 October 2009, no.35. 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 a search certificate number no.12368-226706.

The baboon was an animal manifestation of the god Thoth, the patron deity of Hermopolis Magna, who was revered for his association with knowledge, writing, and healing.

Ellipsoid in plan with frieze comprising a large Maat feather, a winged sun disc, and a winged Khepri beetle. 13 grams, 27 mm



Ex collection of the late Mr S. M., London, UK, 1970-1990s.