Loading, please wait...
LOT 0482
Large Egyptian Gilt Bronze Head of Osiris
LATE PERIOD, 664-525 B.C.
4 1/2 in. (199 grams, 11.4 cm).
Modelled in the round wearing the atef crown (hedjet with lateral ostrich feathers) and uraeus to the brow with tail extending up the crown, detailed false beard with coiled finial; eyes recessed to accept inlays; tip of crown missing.
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. Daressy, G., Catalogue général des antiquités égyptiennes du Musée du Caire N° 38001-39384 Statues de divinités, Cairo, 1906, pl. XVI, no. 38.261, for complete statuette with comparable head.
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. This head comes from a once sizeable statuette of the god.
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 Faience Papyrus Sceptre Pendant
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Amulet in the form of a wadj papyrus sceptre with suspension loop; with light encrustations; supplied with a wooden display stand. 7.15 grams, 64 mm (34.4 grams total, 94 mm including stand)
Ex Foxwell collection. Acquired from a London gallery. Ex Mr A.S. collection, 1990s. Property of a Bristol, UK, gentleman.
The papyrus column or wadj amulet is typically made out of turquoise feldspar or faience, as is prescribed in the Book of the Dead. The word wadj, meaning “green”, evokes concepts of well-being and vitality. Papyrus amulets were often placed around the neck of the deceased to ensure eternal youth in the afterlife. They were particularly popular during the Late Period (664-332 B.C.). -
Egyptian Wooden Falcon
Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, 664-31 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Carved figure of a falcon perching on an ellipsoid base, with mortice in the top of the head for a separately-fashioned crown (missing); traces of painted decoration visible on the face; old collector's numbers to the underside 'E.18' and 'ΛOC'. 124 grams, 16.3 cm
Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, formed between 1950-1990s. -
Egyptian Blue Glazed Hieroglyphic Shabti Fragment for Neith
26th Dynasty, 664-525 B.C.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Pale grey-green composition fragment of the upper half of a mummiform shabti wearing a tripartite wig, holding a pick, hoe, and cord for a seed bag, which hangs over the left shoulder; a vertical band to the chest and lower body inscribed with hieroglyphic text giving the opening 'The illuminated one, the Osiris' and the name or title beginning with 'Neith'. 62 grams, 89 mm
Acquired 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.
