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LOT 0042
Large Egyptian Blue Glazed Hieroglyphic Shabti
26TH DYNASTY, 664-525 B.C.
7 1/2 in. (246 grams, 19 cm).
Of mummiform type, wearing a tripartite wig and long plaited divine beard, with arms crossed and the left hand holding a pick, the right hand holding a hoe and the cord of a seed bag hanging over his left shoulder; with carefully rendered cosmetic lines around the eyes, narrow eyebrows, and slightly smiling lips giving it a serene expression characteristic of the finest ushabtis of the period; standing on an integral plinth from which a plain back pillar terminating at the base of the wig extends; nine horizontal rows of hieroglyphic inscription, the Sixth Chapter of the Book of the Dead; water worn.
ProvenanceAcquired on the German art market, 1989-1995.
with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1, UK, 1998-2003.
Property of a London based academic, 2003-present.
Cf. Janes, G., The Shabti Collections 6: A Selection from the World Museum, Liverpool, Lymm, 2016, pp.494-495, no. 258, for a similar example.
FootnotesShabti figures could serve as a representation of the deceased and paradoxically also as their servant to carry out arduous manual tasks in the afterlife on behalf of their master. Late Period shabtis were most frequently made of faience, such as this example. The body of a shabti was usually in the form of a mummy from the neck down, depicted with agricultural tools in their hands, such as picks, hoes, and baskets. Chapter 6 from the Book of the Dead, lists the tasks expected of the magical figure. By the Late Period, hundreds of shabtis were often provided for the burial.
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LOT 0042
Large Egyptian Blue Glazed Hieroglyphic Shabti
Estimate £1,500 - 2,000€1,740 - 2,320 (for guidance only)$2,030 - 2,700 (for guidance only)
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Egyptian Limestone Relief of a Ptolemaic King
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £14,300
Trapezoidal fragment bearing a low-relief depiction of a Ptolemaic king shown in profile, with characteristic plump cheeks, slightly upturned mouth, and internally detailed ear, wearing a long false beard, the Red or Dual Crown of Egypt with uraeus to the front, and a broad collar; the lower part of a cartouche to the right. 405 grams, 11 cm
Léon Rodrigues-Ely (1924–1973), Marseille, France. with Christie's, Paris, 6 May 2015, no.93. Private collection, Europe. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00104585. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12369-226941.
Léon Rodrigues-Ely (1924–1973) was a prominent French collector based in Marseille, known for his keen interest in fine art and antiquities. Throughout his life, Rodrigues-Ely assembled an eclectic and esteemed collection, particularly focusing on European and Mediterranean artifacts. His passion for collecting was fuelled by a deep appreciation for history and culture, and he was well-regarded among art dealers and scholars alike. Many of the pieces in his collection were acquired from significant galleries and private collections across Europe, reflecting his dedication to preserving cultural heritage. Rodrigues-Ely’s collection continued to be highly sought after following his death, with several pieces passing through prestigious auction houses, cementing his legacy in the art world. -
Egyptian Amulet of Trussed Ibex
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Turquoise glazed faience figure of a trussed ibex, with the remains of its large curled horn, tail, facial details, and rope tie picked out in black; damaged and repaired. 11.6 grams, 63 mm
From the private collection of the late Mrs Belinda Ellison, a long time member of the Egyptian Exploration Society, c.1940-2020.
Figurines of trussed ibexes in faience were occasionally included in foundation deposits, possibly to represent animals that were sacrificed. However, the shallow depression in the body of this animal is similar to the style of cosmetic dishes, indicating that this particular example may be a funerary object symbolising a more valuable toiletry item. -
Large Egyptian Faience Amulet of the Goddess Isis
Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
The goddess dressed in a long tight-fitting tunic to her ankles, standing with her left leg forward, her straight arms descending to her thighs; vulture headgear surmounted two long feathers; dorsal pillar with hieroglyphic text; repaired. 50 grams, 14 cm
Private collection Mr E. Saad, Cairo, Egypt-Montreux, Switzerland, 1970s. Ex private collection of Mr S.A., acquired from Mr Saad in 1997.
In ancient Egyptian mythology, Isis was the sister-wife of Osiris and the mother of the sky god Horus. She is associated with aspects of fertility and motherhood. This amulet unusually depicts her with a two-plumed crown, which may associate her with the goddess Sothis.
