Lot 543

Egyptian New Kingdom Carved Hippo Tooth Comb | Kneeling Ibex

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Egyptian New Kingdom Carved Hippo Tooth Comb | Kneeling Ibex

Estimate: $12,000 - $18,000

Starting Bid: $6,000

(0 Bids)

June 12, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US

Description:

Egypt, new Kingdom, ca. 1400 BCE. Egypt, New Kingdom, ca. 1550–1070 BCE. An exceptionally rare and beautifully crafted ceremonial comb carved from hippopotamus tooth. The comb is surmounted by a finely detailed figure of a kneeling ibex with long, elegantly curved horns, its muscular form rendered with remarkable naturalism and skill.

The ibex, with its distinctive sweeping horns, appeared frequently in Egyptian and Near Eastern decorative arts as a symbol of vitality and the natural world. Its placement atop a functional grooming implement elevates this piece beyond utility into the realm of prestige object — likely belonging to a person of high social standing. Size: 2.375”H x 1.75”W (6 x 4.4cm).

Provenance: Connecticut collection. Ex. J. Claessen, Bladel, Holland, a collection formed in the 1950’s - 1970’s.

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 71829

  • Condition: Overall excellent honey-tan ancient surface patina. Missing five left comb teeth and one tooth and edge on the right, one tooth reattached, otherwise intact.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 + $1,000