Large Egyptian Faience Cat Amulet

Showing the jackal deity Wepwawet standing with ears pricked on a sledge, the slender body modelled with long legs and a tail, suspension loop on the back; two rearing cobras before the jackal; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 54 grams, 91 mm (162 grams total, 11.7 cm including stand )



Ex Dr R. and Mrs L.B., Zumikon, Switzerland. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12627-236406.

This object may have been the decorative element of a ceremonial standard, examples of which have survived (cf. Petrie, W.M.F., Tanis: Part II / Nebesheh (Am) and Defenneh (Tahpanhes), London, 1886, pl. VII, no. 3). Wepwawet, meaning "Opener of the Ways," was an ancient Egyptian god associated primarily with warfare, protection, and funerary practices. Depicted as a jackal or a man with a jackal's head—often mistaken for Anubis—Wepwawet was believed to guide souls through the afterlife and open paths both in battle and in the spiritual realm. He originated in Asyut (ancient Lycopolis) in Upper Egypt and was one of the oldest deities in the Egyptian pantheon, with worship dating back to at least the First Dynasty (c. 3100–2900 BCE). Over time, Wepwawet became closely linked to Anubis, and the two were sometimes conflated, though Wepwawet retained his distinct identity as a god who preceded and cleared the way. In military contexts, Wepwawet was invoked to "open the way" for pharaohs and armies, ensuring victory and safe passage. In funerary texts, he was described as clearing the path to the afterlife, acting as a scout or guide for the deceased.

Proof etching on laid paper of plate 10 'Basse Égypte entitled Carte hydrographique de la Basse-Égypte. 246 grams, 105 x 69.5 cm



From the collection of a North American priest. Acquired between 1981-1996. Property of a North American collector.

Produced between February 1802 and 1830 on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte; published between 1809 and 1828. Just 1,000 copies were distributed to various institutions, printed on laid paper with an 'Égypte ancienne et moderne' watermark. The book is subtitled Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l’expédition de l’Armée française, publié par les ordres de Sa Majesté l’Empereur Napoléon le Grand (Gathering of observations and discoveries which were made in Egypt during the expedition of the French army, published on the orders of His Majesty the Emperor Napoleon the Great). It was the world's first encyclopedia devoted exclusively to the remains of ancient Egypt. The plates of this book are the first to present the archaeological sites of Thebes (Luxor).

A substantial figure of the ram-headed god Khnum advancing, wearing a tripartite wig with low central modius drilled for a separately cast headdress and finely pleated kilt, with ram's horns and eyes recessed for inlay, raised left hand, the right arm along the side; mounted on a custom-made stand. 466 grams, 22 cm high (803 grams total, 23.8 cm high including stand)

Bronze H: 19.6 cm, W: 5.4 cm, D: 6.9 cm Condition Surface has been extensively cleaned, in fair condition.

With Stendahl Art Gallery, Los Angeles, by at least circa 1950s, accompanied by an inventory card #39, with a matching number on the original base, and a photograph. Private collection, Hollywood, California, acquired from the above, circa 1950s. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate, no.S00256888. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no. 13240-251804.

The god Khnum (or Khnemu), the 'Moulder', was one of the earliest gods of Egypt, worshipped especially at Philae and Elephantine, both in Nubia. He was thought to have made mankind out of clay on a potter's wheel. It was Khnum who helped Isis to gather the severed fragments of the body of the god Osiris and reassemble them. He was considered the father of the gods, along with Amun-Ra and Ptah.