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LOT 0018
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 disc 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.
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.
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:
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Egyptian Bead Necklace with Lotus Flowers
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £234
Comprising annular and cylindrical beads in various colours, interspersed with four lotus-flower pendants. 24.2 grams, 104 cm
P.S., Netherlands, 1985. Ex Sands of Time U.S.A. with Treasuregate Gallery, 11 June 2015, Netherlands. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00105718. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The most common type of collars based on pendants found at various localities, was mainly composed of pendants imitating plant forms. The terminals of surviving collars of this design are usually triangular, representing lotus flowers, or rectangular, decorated with plant designs or spirals. -
Egyptian Faience Mummy Bead Necklace
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Mainly annular beads in various shades with tubular beads to one section. 14 grams, 100 cm
From an old English deceased estate. Acquired on the Yorkshire art market in the early 1990s. Property of a London, UK, collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Egyptian Carnelian Fly Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Carved with simple body and eye detailing and polished; drilled through the eyes for suspension. 0.41 grams, 13 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.
Small fly amulets first appeared in burials during the Naqada II Period, c. 3200 B.C. These amulets grew in popularity and the materials used to make them expanded during the New Kingdom. They are crafted from a variety of materials such as gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. These amulets were thought to protect against insect bites and to ward off troublesome flying creatures through apotropaic magic. Some believe they may have even been intended to symbolise the fly’s fecundity. Additionally, pharaohs would bestow gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to honour the bravery and fly-like persistence of soldiers in battle.
