Phoenician Blue Glazed Faience Scaraboid with Winged Beast and Tree

With bulbous body, broad flared neck, flange rim, dimple to underside of base. 769 grams, 13.1 cm



Private collection, USA and Switzerland, acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s; by descent to the current owner. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13222-249180.

Of slender form, shown striding and wearing a kilt with a central tab, and a rounded wig covering the ears, composed of echeloned rectangular curls; the face with a broad mouth with finely outlined lips, rounded at the corners; the front of the kilt and portion of the advancing left leg preserved; the arms and the lower right leg missing, having been carved separately; with traces of polychrome. 1.46 kg total, 55.7 cm high including stand



Joseph Altounian (1889-1954) and Henriette Lorbet, Altounian-Lorbet Gallery, Mâcon, France. Believed acquired at Sotheby’s, London: The MacGregor Collection of Egyptian Antiquities, 26 June–3 July 1922. Acquired by the previous owner from Henriette Lorbet, January 4th, 1967. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.13232-250113.

The statue stands as another admirable example of wooden sculpture from the early dynasties. Its highly realistic face depicts a young man, mirrored by the slender body, with a sober and elegant design. The statue was undoubtedly originally coated in stucco and colour. The striking figure, slightly asymmetrical, along with the serious mouth and haughty expression, gives this portrait a remarkably lively appearance.

Each a penannular band with a barrel-shaped profile. 7.10 grams total, 17 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.