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_900x900.jpg "Large Egyptian Bronze Figure of Osiris")
_200x200.jpg "Large Egyptian Bronze Figure of Osiris")
.jpg "Large Egyptian Bronze Figure of Osiris")
LOT 0027
Large Egyptian Bronze Figure of Osiris
LATE PERIOD-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-30 B.C.
13 3/4 in. (850 grams total, 35 cm high including stand).
Bust of Osiris modelled in the round, wearing the white crown with uraeus to the brow, plaited false beard, tiered collar with counterweight to rear; the hands opposed at the chest, holding the nekhakha flail and the heka crook; the eyes with glass inserts; mounted on a custom-made stand.
ProvenanceEx R. Liechti (1934-2010) collection, Geneva, Switzerland.
Private collection, Europe.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12365-226680.
Cf. Roeder, G., Ägyptische Bronzefiguren II, Berlin, 1956, fig.201 and pl. 25a-c, for a similarly decorated figure.
FootnotesOsiris is a deity who represents death and fertility and is commonly regarded as the quintessential god of rebirth. Though he was once a mortal ruler, as a deceased entity, his domain was the Underworld. Abydos was the primary centre of Osiris’ cult, where a renowned yearly celebration of the god was held. The proliferation of bronze statues of the god indicates his widespread popularity.
R. Liechti was a distinguished collector of Egyptian antiquities, known for his discerning eye and passion for ancient artefacts. Active during the mid-20th century, Liechti's collection featured a wide range of objects that showcased the rich cultural heritage of ancient Egypt, from intricately carved statuettes to rare amulets and jewellery. His dedication to preserving and studying these relics earned him a respected reputation among scholars and collectors alike. Many pieces from his collection have since found their way into prominent museum collections and auction houses, further solidifying his legacy in the world of antiquities.
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Egyptian Hardstone Architectural Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Amuletic model of a stonemason's plummet. 2.38 grams, 25 mm
with Hotel des Ventes, Drouot, Paris, France. From the collection of Mr H. Naudy, Paris, France. Acquired at between 2004-2010. Property of a French collector.
The stonemason’s plumb bob amulet was most frequently made of a dark hardstone like this example and paired with a set-square amulet. Plummet amulets were thought to grant their owner everlasting balance and harmony. -
Egyptian Female Fertility Figurine Plaque
Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, 664-31 B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £556
Carved rectangular plaque with central recess, carved image of a nude female modelled in the half-round with a deeply striated bag wig, arms by her side; traces of red and black pigment on the body; mounted on a custom-made stand. 502 grams total, 17.1 cm including stand
From a central London collection, formed 1980-2000. From the private collection of Mr David Barker, London, UK; thence by descent.
The rectangular limestone plaque almost certainly represents a shrine. Such plaques first appeared in Lower Egypt and became widespread in the Late Period and Ptolemaic era. They may have developed from earlier female figurines depicted on beds and are usually associated with the female goddesses Isis and Hathor, both powerful protectors of women and childbirth and associated with fertility. -
Egyptian Faience Shabti for Hor-sa-Iset
Late Period, circa 4th century B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Of mummiform type, wearing a tripartite wig and long plaited divine beard; holding a pick in the left hand, a hoe in the right, and the cord of a seed bag hanging over his left shoulder; standing on an integral plinth, a plain back pillar terminating at the base of the wig; two vertical panels of hieroglyphic inscription to the front, including dedication: sḥḏ wsỉr ḥr sꜢ Ꜣst, ‘The illuminated, the Osiris, Hor-sa-Iset’; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 124 grams, 15.2 cm
Jacques René Fiechter, Switzerland (1920-1950). with Auction Martin, Egyptian collection of André Bircher, 1949. with Cahn Auktionen AG, Basel, 5 November 2011, no.20. Private collection, Europe. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Cahn catalogue pages.
