Description:

Ancient Egypt, Third Intermediate Period, 21st to 25th Dynasty, ca. 1070 to 664 BCE. A hand-built faience ushabti of a petite form that is covered in layers of brilliant blue glaze. The attenuated figure stands in mummiform with fused legs, holds a pick and hoe in arms crossed atop the chest, and has a broad seed bag suspended via a slender strap behind both shoulders. The protruding face features black-painted eyes, a flush nose, and a petite mouth, all framed within the vertically striated lappets of the tripartite wig. A column of black hieroglyphs is painted in front of the legs and, while untranslated, perhaps provides the names of Osiris as well as the deceased. Size: 1.25" W x 3.375" H (3.2 cm x 8.6 cm)

Shabti (or ushabti) dolls are figures shaped like adult male or female mummies wearing traditional ancient Egyptian headdresses. The ancient Egyptians believed that after they died, their spirits would have to work in the "Field of Reeds" owned by the god of the underworld, Osiris. This meant doing agricultural labor, which was required by all members of society, from workers to pharaohs. The wealthier nobility in Egyptian society were able to have shabtis made of coveted faience, and blue faience was meant to reflect the color of the river Nile both on earth and in the afterlife.

Provenance: private Corpus Christi, Texas, USA estate collection, acquired 1960s to 1970s

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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#165087

  • Condition: Minor abrasions and pitting to surfaces, with wear to black pigment on face and hieroglyphs, otherwise intact and very good. Great remains of blue glaze throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

June 10, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
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