Loading, please wait...
LOT 0014
Large Egyptian Bronze Statue of Khonsu
LATE PERIOD, 26TH DYNASTY, 664-525 B.C.
10 3/4 in. (896 grams total, 27 cm including stand).
Standing in advancing pose on a rectangular base; the god modelled with a disk representing the full-moon surmounting a crescent new moon atop his head and fronted by a uraeus, the falcon-head sports a finely striated tripartite wig and with beaded silver wire frames to the (once inlaid) eyes; wearing a broad wesekh collar; the left arm bent and fist drilled to grip a staff, right arm straight to the side with similar drilled fist; pleated shendyt kilt and belt to the hips; mounted on a tiered socle base.
ProvenanceSmith family collection, Cambridge, UK since 1949.
Private UK collection since 1978.
Accompanied by a scholarly note by Egyptologist Paul Whelan.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11033-183985.
Cf. for a near identical example from Memphis and now in the Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, inventory no. 54.395.
FootnotesThe moon god Khonsu (whose name means 'wanderer', referring to the passage of the moon across the sky) is known as a blood-thirsty sky-deity in the Pyramid Texts. In New Kingdom Thebes, however, he was regarded as a far more benevolent deity, being the child of Amun and Mut, and provided with his own temple at Karnak. There, he was considered to control destiny. Khonsu can appear in human form with a side-lock of youth, wearing an enveloping garment, and holding royal regalia, and also as a falcon-headed man with the full moon and crescent new moon headdress, as with this fine example. In his falcon-headed form he frequently holds an ankh symbol and a was-sceptre, for which the hands of this piece were drilled to accept the god's well-known attributes.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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.
-
Egyptian Glazed Composition Shabti for Ka-Nefer
30th Dynasty, 380-343 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
Modelled mummiform, hands crossed in front of chest holding pick and hoe, seed bag over shoulder, wearing tripartite wig and false beard, T-shaped arrangement of hieroglyphic inscription to the midriff and lower body; plinth base and plain back pillar to reverse. 78 grams, 12.2 cm high
Private collection, New York, USA, early 1980s.
The inscription informs us that Ka-nefer was a wener- priest and scribe of Ptah. His mother's name was Isit-reshuty. He was buried at Saqqara. -
Egyptian Speckled Diorite Funerary Scarab
Late Period, 664-525 B.C.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
Detailing to the carapace and clypeus, pierced lug to the underside of the prothorax. 7.59 grams, 25 mm
From an early 20th century collection, Home Counties, UK, 1930-1940s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.202894.
Funerary scarabs such as this were placed within the wrappings of the mummy on various parts of the body. They undoubtedly served a protective role but, unlike heart scarabs, their precise function is not known. -
Egyptian Faience Amulet Group
New Kingdom, Amarna Period, 1353-1336 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Composed of polychrome amulets of various types, with suspension loops, including fruits and a feathered plume. 0.78 grams total, 3-13 mm
From an early 20th century collection, Surrey, UK.