Lot 6A
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Ancient Egypt, Saqqara, Late Dynastic Period, 30th Dynasty, ca. 380 to 343 BCE. A gorgeous ushabti that is mold-formed from faience and enveloped with a lustrous, pale, yellow-green glaze. The dignified figure stands atop an integral plinth in mummiform, feet fused and legs bound together, while grasping the handles of a pick and a hoe in hands crossed atop the chest; a seed bag is incised behind the proper left shoulder. The serene countenance is comprised of almond-shaped eyes with elongated canthi, full lips, a plaited false beard, and cupped ears, all framed within the lappets of the tripartite wig. A T-shaped hieroglyphic inscription reads, "The Illuminated one, the Osiris, the wnr priest and scribe of the Temple of Ptah, Ka-Nefer (or possible Nefer-Ka), born of Asetreshti ("Isis is Joyful"), justified."
The title of "wnr priest" is one that is not fully understood by modern scholars. When examining this particular ushabti, Associate Professor of Egyptology at the University of Groningen Dr. Jacobus van Dijk explains how "The wnr title is already attested in the Old Kingdom, but apart from being a priestly title it is uncertain what it actually means. People have suggested 'opener of the mouth' (wn-r3) or (perhaps slightly more likely) 'he who opens the door (of the shrine or tomb)', but these are mere guesses. It is often associated with Letopolis, but in the Late Period also occurs in Memphis and Thebes."
Provenance: Collection of Dr. W. Benson Harer, Los Angeles, California, USA; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, USA, October 28, 2009, lot 225; ex-private Connecticut, USA collection, 1970s
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#182097
- Condition: Minor pitting and fading to glaze pigment in scattered areas, with light earthen deposits, otherwise intact and choice. Wonderful preservation to hieroglyphs and finer details throughout.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |