Lot 18
Ancient Egypt, Third Intermediate Period, 21st Dynasty, ca. 1070 to 943 BCE. A breathtaking example of a hand-built faience ushabti, standing in a dignified pose, that is enrobed in layers of incredibly lustrous, brilliant blue glaze. The figure presents in characteristic ushabti fashion by standing in mummiform with fused legs and feet, crossing both arms atop the chest with a pair of black-painted picks in his hands, and with a seed bag draped from both shoulders down to the middle of his back. The protruding visage exhibits gently modeled features like almond-shaped eyes outlined heavily with black pigment, a flush nose, a slender mouth with indented corners, and tall ears, all framed within the striated lappets of his tripartite wig. A column of hieroglyphic symbols down the front and onto feet reads "The Illuminate, the Osiris, the Chantress of Amon, Ta-Uja." Size: 1.75" W x 4.56" H (4.4 cm x 11.6 cm); 6.25" H (15.9 cm) on included custom stand.
Shabti (or ushabti) dolls are figures shaped like adult male or female mummies wearing traditional ancient Egyptian headdresses. The ancient Egyptians believed that after they died, their spirits would have to work in the "Field of Reeds" owned by the god of the underworld, Osiris. This meant doing agricultural labor, which was required by all members of society, from workers to pharaohs. The wealthier nobility in Egyptian society were able to have shabtis made of coveted faience, and blue faience was meant to reflect the color of the river Nile both on earth and in the afterlife.
Cf. Lieblein 2544, No. 144.
Provenance: private collection of Dr. W. Benson Harer, Los Angeles, California, USA, purchased from Superior Gallery, Los Angeles, California, USA, in 1976; ex-MIA (Minneapolis Institute of Art), 1916; ex-Drexel Museum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 1895 to 1915; ex-A. Drexel collection; ex-Emil Brugsch, Bulaq Museum, Cairo, Egypt, 1894
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#182098
- Condition: Intact and excellent condition. Hole at base for insertion into modern wooden stand. Interestingly, there is an indention on reverse just below the wig that was probably created in the firing process/ mold. The black pigment continues through this area and it is not a repair, but a natural part of the figure.
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