Massive Egyptian Blue Faience Bes Statue

LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.

12 3/4 in. (1.6 kg, 32.2 cm high).

With integral square base and shallow socket to the top of the head; Bes shown standing nude with hands on hips, bearded and with grotesque features, protruding tongue, lattice to the rear of the head; face restored. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Acquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.

Literature

Cf. similar statue in the collection of the Louvre under accession no.N 437 (IM 228 ; S 962).

Footnotes

Due to its size, this is more probably an architectural and devotional item than a purely amuletic one, probably from a domestic context. It is an ambitious example of moulding in the round in faience (glazed composition).

CONDITION

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LOT 0408