Very Large Egyptian Expedition Lithograph of Bayban el Molouk at Thebes

Modelled in the round kneeling on an integral base and wearing a broad rounded wig, holding a fragmentary offering basin before him; dorsal pillar engraved with a single vertical column of hieroglyphs, translating: 'The Count, Overseer of the Entrance to the Hill Countries, Chief Supervisor of the Shrines [of Neith], Wahibre, son of Paeftchawy'; upper rim of the basin further inscribed with a ritual formula intended to be recited during the presentation of its contents. 107.7 kg total, figure: 40 cm high, fragments: 47-58 cm wide including stand



For the two basalt sections: UK private collection, formed 1970s-1990s. Princely collection, until 2014; thence to a private foundation. Acquired by the current owner from Rupert Wace, London, UK. For the kneeling basalt figure: European private collection, since the mid-19th century. Sold at Christie’s, New York, 8 June 2001, no.114. Sold at Drouot-Richelieu, Paris (Boisgirard), 14 February 2005, no.313. European private collection, acquired at the above sale; thence by descent to the previous owners. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13193-250115.

The figure on this vessel represents the customs official Wahibre, son of Paeftchawy, a well-attested individual known from at least fourteen other sculptures. Additional evidence for Wahibre’s identity is provided by a fragment of his mummiform sarcophagus, found at el-Hagar, within the territory of his native city of Sais. The titles inscribed on his surviving monuments reflect a career that combined priestly responsibilities with significant administrative and military authority. In southern Egypt, Wahibre served as chief customs officer and commanded a contingent of foreign troops tasked with protecting the frontier, probably Greek mercenaries from Caria.

A matched pair formed of annular and cylindrical faience beads; modern hook and bar with gold-coloured beads. 1.27 grams total, 50-51 mm



Acquired Town Hall Antiques, Market Place, Woburn, Bedfordshire, UK, on 2nd March 2001. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by a copy of the original Town Hall Antiques invoice.

Sizeable wedjat-eye amulet with applied black detailing to the pupil and brow. 16.5 grams, 50.4 mm



with Archaeologia, Switzerland, before 1983. Ex private North American collection. London private collection, 2016.

The wedjat-eye amulet symbolises the healed eye of the god Horus, representing both human and falcon elements. The name wedjat in ancient Egyptian means ‘the one that is sound.’ According to Egyptian mythology, Horus' eye was wounded or taken by the god Seth and later restored by Thoth. The wedjat-eye amulet was believed to protect its wearer and confer qualities of recovery and regeneration. It was highly popular and was used by both the living and the dead.