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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 Painted Cartonnage Cartouche Fragment
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-31 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Two large moulded fragments of cartonnage with polychrome painted decoration; mounted in a glazed frame. 824 grams including frame, 25.2 x 25.2 cm
Ex M.S. Ciappara collection, Norfolk, UK, 1939-1950. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Egyptian Rock Crystal Heart Scarab
Late Period, 664-342 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
Carved in the round with ribbed loop to the underside, carapace and leg detailing. 8.72 grams, 25 mm
From a London and Home Counties collection, 1920-1940. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Naturalistic scarabs carved in the round are characteristic of the Late Period and were crafted from various stones, including lapis lazuli, feldspar, carnelian, and rock crystal, as exemplified here. These scarabs were attached to the wrappings of a mummy, positioned over areas of the body such as the chest, neck, and hands. -
Egyptian Applique with Aphrodite
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Estimate: £700 - 900 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £315
Fragment from a representation of the nude Aphrodite in high-relief, crouching with her left knee raised and her right knee touching the ground, holding her long hair with her hands and wearing a diadem on her head; an appliqué from a vessel with minor filling at the right thigh. 85 grams, 86 mm
Private collection, Somerset, England. with M.B., Los Angeles County, acquired 2014-2015 at a sale in the UK. with Ancient Resource, USA, Auction 70, 06 October 2018, no.7. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
