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LOT 0406
Egyptian Terracotta Ithyphallic Figurine of Harpocrates
PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.
3 1/4 in. (160 grams, 84 mm).
Naked ithyphallic youthful Harpocrates seated, with shaved head and side-lock, his enormous phallus wrapped around on his neck. [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, figs.93, 95, for a similar image of Harpocrates.
FootnotesIthyphallic figures in limestone, terracotta, gypsum and faience are relatively common in the 6th to 3rd-century B.C. deposits of Lower Egypt. Despite considerable variations, the group consistently depicts a seated ithyphallic plump baby with shaved head (or skull cap) and side-lock. They were identified by Gutch as Khonsu-Horus figures and subsequently by Bailey as Harpocrates, the Greek name for young Horus.
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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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0406
Egyptian Terracotta Ithyphallic Figurine of Harpocrates
Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
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Egyptian Carnelian Fly Amulet
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Formed as a fly with long triangular wings on a tongue-shaped base. 0.65 grams, 12 mm
From an early 20th century collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Egyptian Faience Necklace with Pendant
New Kingdom, 1400-1100 B.C.Estimate: £700 - 900 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
Restrung group of tubular and fusiform faience beads with D-shaped pendant and two tiers of dangles beneath. 48 grams, 80 cm long
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Egyptian Terracotta Seated Torso
Ptolemaic Period, 4th-3rd century B.CSold for (Inc. bp): £65
The headless deity, possibly Harpocrates, seated on a throne, forearms resting on thighs and flanking a protruding phallus, wearing a medallion around the neck; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 280 grams total, 97 mm including stand
The 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.
Figural plaques of ithyphallic Harpocrates seated on a block seat with forearms on thighs and hands each side of a projecting phallus were rare types from Naukratis, Temai el-Amohel. They can be dated to the early Hellenistic Period, circa 330 B.C. 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.
