Large Egyptian Glazed Hieroglyphic Shabti

The crescentic body with stylised bird head ends; eyes pierced; central stem with single hole. 59 grams, 13.5 cm wide



Acquired prior to 2000 from a UK collection. Canadian private collection of Mr A.K. of Montreal.

In baboon form, modelled in the round wearing a lunar disc and seated on a semi-circular base with attachment lug; accompanied by a wooden display base; traces of hieroglyphic inscription around the edge of the base; repaired. 157 grams total, 10.1 cm high including stand



Gifted by Herbert Parsons (1870-1940) to his grandson, James Gibson (1926-2013). Inherited by the vendor and her brother, from their grandfather James Gibson. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.200862.

God of the moon, magic and writing, Thoth could take the form of a baboon or an ibis. In baboon form, he was associated with the animals who rise early in the day, and was thus linked to the sun god, Ra. The dedicatory hieroglyphic inscription on the base of this example includes the di and ankh signs meaning 'give life'.

In silk and wool from a tunic or wall hanging, comprising: (i) a corner fragment of a tapestry showing two soldiers hunting, one with a cross traced as deigmaton on the round shield and a semi-spatha (sword) in his right hand, both dressed in Gothic tunics of green and off-white colour, black trousers and red sagia, escaping animals surrounding; (ii) a long segment (clavus) with a hunting scene comprising a cavalryman in green mantle, off-white tunic, shield and sword, a Nubian servant in exomis and holding a shield, chasing wild horses, antelopes, goats and hares, a third horseman half-visible on the right. 8 grams total, 19-26 cm

Fair condition. Rare.

Hermann Historica, Germany, auction 67, part of lot 2025. Property of a Kensington gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato of which this is a part. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.10681-174371 (part).

Tabby technique on linen and wool. It is highly probable that this tapestry was part of a tunic decoration, the clavus (ii) running vertically on the breast; the corner fragment (i) forming the lower hem of the tunic. The representation of military characters, the red colour of the background, and the hunting parties – often associated with military training– indicate the likelihood that these are fragments from the military tunic of a high-ranking officer.