Lot 2
Egypt, New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, reign of Amenhotep I, ca. 1525 to 1506 BCE. A finely carved bas-relief in pink limestone featuring two female figures shown in profile. Each woman holds a lotus bud in her raised left hand - an ancient symbol of rebirth - and clasps a stylized menat necklace in the right, a ritual object associated with fertility, health, and divine protection. They wear close-fitting dresses typical of the period, and the hieroglyphic inscription above them purportedly is the name "Nes-Noub," probably referencing a divinity or royal authority. Characteristic traits such as the noses suggest a precise attribution to the reign of Amenhotep I. This style reflects the refined sculptural traditions that flourished in the early 18th Dynasty, following the consolidation of Egypt's empire under Ahmose I. Size: 4.75" L x 0.8" W x 8.9" H (12.1 cm x 2 cm x 22.6 cm); 9.5" H (24.1 cm) on included custom stand.
Hieroglyphs: The vertical inscription at the top appears to read right to left (common in funerary stelae). Though worn and shallowly incised, it includes:
A reed leaf (h or j sound),
A duck (possibly sa, “son” or s?),
A folded cloth (s),
A mouth glyph (r),
And what may be a placenta or comb, which can represent different concepts.
While not enough is preserved to fully translate with certainty, it might be a name or brief dedication—possibly invoking a title or the word "servant of" or "singer/dancer of [a deity]."
2. Figures:The two women depicted are elegant and highly stylized:
- They wear tripartite wigs and hold lotus blossoms, symbols of rebirth and purification.
- Their stances are formal, frontal in posture but rendered in profile—a stylistic hallmark of Egyptian relief carving.
Given the iconography and pose, they may represent priestesses, singers, or mourning women often found in tomb contexts.
Provenance: private Boca Raton, Florida, USA collection acquired from Baidun Gallery, Jerusalem, Israel. Accompanied by French export certificate (Passport #125189).
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#194883
- Condition: Professionally repaired from 4 large pieces with infill along break lines. Old loss to upper right side as shown. Mounted on a metal back panel and comes with a custom display stand.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 |