Ancient Egyptian Bronze APIS bull figurine
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 2,000 - € 2,200
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Description from the seller
An Egyptian bronze Apis bull
Late - Ptolemaic Period, circa 664-30 B.C.
Striding with the left legs advanced, set on an integral rectangular base with tang beneath, the body with incised details of a collar around the neck, a winged vulture across the withers, a cross-hatched saddle-cloth and a stylised winged scarab across the haunches, the sun-disc headdress with frontal uraeus set between its horns, 10 cm long, mounted on a stand. Nice dark patina. Rare piece.
Provenance: Old Private collection Belgium. built up Egyptology collection between 1980 and 1990's.
The Apis bull was a highly revered sacred bull in ancient Egypt, representing fertility, power, and the incarnation of the god Ptah, later linked to Osiris and Serapis, serving as an intermediary between humans and gods. Selected for specific markings (a black body with white spots/symbols like a solar disk), the bull lived a pampered life, was mummified and buried in grand tombs (Serapeum) at Saqqara, and was believed to be reincarnated, prompting a search for a new, perfectly marked successor, symbolizing life, kingship, and continuity.
Will be shipped registered and insured. I combine shipping. See also my other auctions.
I only ship in EU. When you bid make sure you have a shipping adress in EU.
The supplier warrants that they obtained this lot in a legal manner.
The seller guarantees that they are entitled to sell/export this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits, like an export license, will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about the status of the permits if this takes more than a few days.
An Egyptian bronze Apis bull
Late - Ptolemaic Period, circa 664-30 B.C.
Striding with the left legs advanced, set on an integral rectangular base with tang beneath, the body with incised details of a collar around the neck, a winged vulture across the withers, a cross-hatched saddle-cloth and a stylised winged scarab across the haunches, the sun-disc headdress with frontal uraeus set between its horns, 10 cm long, mounted on a stand. Nice dark patina. Rare piece.
Provenance: Old Private collection Belgium. built up Egyptology collection between 1980 and 1990's.
The Apis bull was a highly revered sacred bull in ancient Egypt, representing fertility, power, and the incarnation of the god Ptah, later linked to Osiris and Serapis, serving as an intermediary between humans and gods. Selected for specific markings (a black body with white spots/symbols like a solar disk), the bull lived a pampered life, was mummified and buried in grand tombs (Serapeum) at Saqqara, and was believed to be reincarnated, prompting a search for a new, perfectly marked successor, symbolizing life, kingship, and continuity.
Will be shipped registered and insured. I combine shipping. See also my other auctions.
I only ship in EU. When you bid make sure you have a shipping adress in EU.
The supplier warrants that they obtained this lot in a legal manner.
The seller guarantees that they are entitled to sell/export this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits, like an export license, will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about the status of the permits if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Century/ Timeframe
500 BC
Name of object
APIS bull figurine
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Subject/Depiction
apis
Year acquired
2024
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
