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

A FINE AND INSCRIBED PALE TURQUOISE FAIENCE SHABTI, LATE PERIOD Egypt, 664-332 BC. Finely modeled, the figure standing mummiform on an integral rectangular base against a tall back pillar, the arms crossed over the chest, 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 broad nose, and gently smiling lips, above a long braided beard with 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: An old private collection, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age. Expected wear and manufacturing irregularities, signs of weathering and erosion, minor pitting, scattered encrustations. Weight: 194 g Dimensions: Height 18.3 cm Literature comparison: Compare a closely related faience shabti, Late Period, Dynasty 26-30, 19.2 cm high, in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, object number 10.130.1049. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s London, 3 December 2019, lot 68 Price: GBP 5,625 or approx. EUR 8,700 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, 26 th Dynasty, reign of Amasis, 570-526 BC Expert remark: Compare the closely related proportions, turquoise glaze, finely striated tripartite wig, projecting braided beard, agricultural implements, and extensive horizontal hieroglyphic inscription. Note the similar size (18 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s London, 6 July 2016, lot 113 Price: GBP 6,250 or approx. EUR 10,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An Egyptian pale green faience shabti for Pa-di-Osiris, Late Period, circa 4 th century BC Expert remark: Compare the closely related proportions, pale turquoise-blue faience, carefully modeled facial features, strongly striated wig, integral plinth, and multiple horizontal registers of hieroglyphs. Note the slightly larger size (19.5 cm).