50 - A FINE AND EXTENSIVELY INSCRIBED PALE TURQUOISE FAIENCE SHABTI, LATE PERIOD

A FINE AND EXTENSIVELY INSCRIBED PALE TURQUOISE FAIENCE SHABTI, LATE PERIOD Egypt, 664-332 BC. Finely modeled, the mummiform figure stands on an integral rectangular base against a tall back pillar, its arms crossed over the chest and holding a pick and hoe, with a seed bag slung over the left shoulder. The deeply striated tripartite wig frames the finely rendered face, with almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, and gently smiling lips, above a long plaited beard with a curled tip. Nine horizontal registers of finely incised hieroglyphs extend across the front and partly around the sides. Inscriptions: Around the figure, a hieroglyphic inscription in 9 horizontal lines. Provenance: From an old private collection in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age. Expected wear and manufacturing irregularities, minor pitting, scattered encrustations and surface deposits, small chips and abrasions to the glaze. Weight: 139 g Dimensions: Height 15.9 cm Literature comparison: Compare a closely related green glazed composition shabti of Tjanehebu, Dynasty 26, 19.32 cm high, excavated at Saqqara, in the British Museum, registration number 1901,0311.16. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s London, 3 December 2019, lot 67 Price: GBP 11,250 or approx. EUR 17,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An Egyptian turquoise faience ushabti of Tjai-ne-hebu, Admiral of the Royal Fleet, Dynasty XXVI, reign of Amasis, 570-526 BC Expert remark: Compare the closely related turquoise faience, slender proportions, tripartite wig, braided beard with curled tip, agricultural implements, seed bag, tall back pillar, and extensive hieroglyphic inscription comprising ten horizontal lines extending around the figure. Note the slightly larger size (17.7 cm) and that it is securely inscribed for Tjai-ne-hebu. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 4 February 2025, lot 18 Price: USD 25,200 or approx. EUR 23,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An Egyptian faience shabti for Nesbanebdjed, Late Period, Dynasty XXX, 380-343 BC, 19.6 cm high. Expert remark: Compare the related turquoise faience, finely modeled mummiform figure, tripartite wig, braided beard, agricultural implements, and back pillar. Note the larger size of the comparison (19.6 cm), as well as its secure identification as Nesbanebdjed.