37 - A POLYCHROME WOOD FIGURE OF PTAH-SOKAR-OSIRIS, LATE PERIOD TO PTOLEMAIC PERIOD

A POLYCHROME WOOD FIGURE OF PTAH-SOKAR-OSIRIS, LATE PERIOD TO PTOLEMAIC PERIOD Scientific Analysis Report: The result of a radiocarbon dating test conducted by RCD Lockinge, no. RCD-10543, based on one wood sample taken from the present polychrome figure of Ptah-Sokar-Osiris, is consistent with the dating of this lot. The report states two calibrated intervals at a probability of 68.2%, namely 351-296 BC with a probability of 32.3% and 209-155 BC with a probability of 35.9%. The report further states four calibrated intervals of dates falling within the overall range of 356-59 BC, namely 356-279 BC with a probability of 39.3%, 257-247 BC with a probability of 1.2%, 233-100 BC with a probability of 53.9%, and 68-59 BC with a probability of 1.1%. Thus, the combined probability for a date between 356-59 BC is 95.5%. A copy of the report accompanies this lot. Egypt, c. 356-59 BC. Finely carved as a standing mummiform figure on an integral rectangular plinth, the arms concealed beneath the tightly wrapped shroud. The upper body retaining extensive original polychromy, painted in red, blue, black, cream, ochre and details in gold, with an elaborate broad collar composed of concentric bands of geometric and beadwork motifs. The face is modeled with large eyes, a broad nose, and full lips, framed by a tripartite wig with long lappets falling to the chest. The crown of the head is pierced with a small aperture, likely once serving to secure the original headdress. Provenance: A private estate, probably acquired at Bonhams in the 1970s. Hannam's Auctioneers, Selborne, 17 August 2020, lot 322. A private collection, acquired from the above. A copy of a signed provenance statement from Hannam's Auctioneers, dated 30 January 2026, confirming the provenance above, accompanies this lot. Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Old wear, weathering, age cracks, abrasions, nicks, chips and losses to the wood, some wormholes, obvious flaking, touchups, and losses to the gesso and polychromy. The reverse with a deep original cavity, probably once containing ritual material, a metal nail driven into the wood above, the underside carved with a square mortise, probably once serving to secure the figure to its original base. Weight: 848 g (excl. stand), 1,826 g (incl. stand) Dimensions: Height 45 cm (excl. stand), 47.5 cm (incl. stand) With an associated metal stand. (2) Ptah-Sokar-Osiris combined three deities associated with creation, the necropolis, and resurrection: Ptah, Sokar, and Osiris. Figures of this composite funerary deity became an important element of Egyptian burial assemblages, where they were intended to protect the deceased and assist in their rebirth in the afterlife. Such figures were often hollowed to receive funerary papyri or other ritual deposits associated with regeneration. Particularly noteworthy on the present example is the deep rectangular cavity to the reverse, preserving an important aspect of its original funerary function. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related polychrome wood figure of Ptah-Sokar-Osiris, dated to the Ptolemaic Period, 79 cm high, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, accession no. 21.9.1a-c. Compare a closely related polychrome wood and stucco statuette of Ptah-Sokar-Osiris, Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 BC, 55 cm high, in the Museo Egizio, Turin, inventory no. Suppl. 4. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 11 June 2010, lot 11 Price: USD 11,875 or approx. EUR 16,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An Egyptian polychrome wood figure of Ptah-Sokar-Osiris, Ptolemaic Period Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, broad collar, tripartite wig, and extensive polychrome decoration. Note the larger size (74.9 cm) and the preserved base and crown. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s London, 29 April 2010, lot 365 Price: GBP 4,375 or approx. EUR 8,200 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An Egyptian painted wood figure of Ptah-Sokar-Osiris, circa 6 th-1 st century BC Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, tripartite wig, and painted decoration. Note the similar size (44.5 cm).