Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0001
Egyptian Wooden Shabti with Hieroglyphic Inscription
NEW KINGDOM, LATE 18TH-19TH DYNASTY, CIRCA 1350-1200 B.C.
9 in. (147 grams, 23 cm).
Carved in the round with a detailed tripartite wig, segmented collar, and seed bag across the back, the figure has hands crossed at the chest, each holding a hoe, and wrists adorned with bracelets; eight bands of hieroglyphic text encircle the lower body, interrupted by a vertical column at the front, running from midriff to feet; mounted on a later copper base.
Provenance
From the collection of Mrs Kilvert, who fled from France to England during the French Revolution.
Received by gift to the Hodge family from Mrs Kilvert at Bath in 1864-1865; thence by descent to the grandchildren of Mr John Hodge, a private London tutor.
From the collection of a New Zealand family; thence by descent.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12845-239091.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Literature
Cf. Schneider, H.D., Shabtis. An Introduction to the History of Ancient Egyptian Funerary Statuettes with a Catalogue of the Collection of Shabtis in the National Museum of Antiquities at Leiden, Vol. 3, Leiden, 1977, p. 12, no. 3.1.1.25, for a shabti of similar style and text arrangement.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Egyptian Alabaster Kohl Jar
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
Ovoid body with discoid foot and a wide flattened lip. 458 grams, 76 mm
Private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Egyptian Faience Bead with Eye of Horus and Ankh Symbols
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Barrel-shaped bead with blue glaze, wedjat and ankh in black glaze. 2.09 grams, 14 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.
The wedjat-eye amulet is a representation of the healed eye of the god Horus, featuring both human and falcon elements. The name wedjat in ancient Egyptian means ‘the one that is sound.’ According to Egyptian mythology, Horus' eye was wounded or taken by the god Seth and restored by Thoth. The wedjat-eye amulet was thought to protect its wearer and bestow the power of recovery and regeneration onto them. It was very popular and used by both the living and the dead. -
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
With linear detailing to wings, raised eyes, pierced for suspension. 0.84 grams, 19 mm
Ex London, UK, art market, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Although flies might seem like mere nuisances—often shown being swatted by pharaohs or officials—ancient Egyptians admired them for their speed, agility, and persistence. Fly-shaped amulets, first appearing in Naqada II burials around 3200 B.C., became especially popular in the New Kingdom. Made from materials like gold, silver, faience, lapis lazuli, and bone, they served apotropaic purposes, protecting against bites and warding off pests. Some may have also symbolised fertility. Gold fly pendants were even awarded by pharaohs to honour soldiers’ bravery and tenacity.
