32 - 'The Clayton' Large Egyptian Bronze Seated Cat Statue of the Goddess Bastet. The Peter Clayton Egyptian Collection (Lots 1-32 & 391-500)

'The Clayton' Large Egyptian Bronze Seated Cat Statue of the Goddess Bastet. The Peter Clayton Egyptian Collection (Lots 1-32 & 391-500) Late Period, 26th Dynasty, circa 664-525 B.C. Naturalistically modelled in the round, hollow-formed in a seated pose with an incuse collar and Hathor-symbol pendant on its chest, both ears pierced to accept gold earrings (one absent); with a custom-made stand. Cf. Roeder, G., gyptische Bronzefiguren II, Berlin, 1956, pl. 51b, for a similar bronze cat statuette. 932 grams, 16 cm (1.99 kg total, 19.5 cm high including stand) (6 1/4 in. (7 3/4 in.)). [No Reserve] [A video of this lot is available to view on TimeLine Auctions Website] Acquired by Norman Davis from Spinks in 1956. Received as a gift from an American friend, Norman Davis of Seattle, circa 1972. From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13471-262917. In ancient times, the cat was revered as the sacred animal of the goddess Bastet, whose principal cult centre was at Bubastis in the Nile Delta. Her cult expanded throughout Egypt during the Late Period, when many votive bronze statuettes were produced. To the Egyptians, the cat symbolised protection, motherhood, and, later, gentleness and domesticity, qualities associated with Bastet, especially as she evolved from a fierce lioness into a more benevolent feline goddess. The symbol on the chest of the present statuette is associated with another protective goddess, Hathor. Standing figurines of Bastet are sometimes shown holding a Hathoric sistrum, a ritual musical instrument linked to joy, music, and divine protection, particularly for mothers and children. The symbol on this bronze statuette would have served the same purpose. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.