Ancient Egypt, Ptolemaic Faience Shabti - 15.5 cm
03
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09
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29
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Current bid
€ 510
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 1,400 - € 1,700
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 Bidder 3611 | €510 | |
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Ptolemaic Egyptian faience ouchebti in turquoise blue, height 15.5 cm, width 4.3 cm, dating to the 4th–1st century BC, depicting the deceased with a tripartite wig and long postiche beard, holding crossed agricultural hoes with the seed bag strap shown on the back, inscribed with vertical hieroglyphs likely from Book of the Dead Chapter 6, with a turquoise glaze and minor surface wear, stand included, from a private Belgian collection acquired in 2025, provenance via Galerie/Antiquaire, previous owner from Belgium in 1980, certificate of authenticity provided, shipped by DHL Express within the
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Ptolemaic ostracon in turquoise blue faience.
Egypt, Ptolemaic period, 4th – 1st century BC
Height: 15.5 cm – Width: 4.3 cm.
Superb turquoise blue faience ouchebti, depicting the deceased in momiforme wearing a tripartite striped wig and equipped with a long braided false beard. The face, particularly expressive and smiling, is typical of late Ptolemaic productions: full cheekbones, slightly almond-shaped eyes, and a mouth animated by a subtle smile. The features are rendered with finesse, indicating a careful workshop.
The figure holds agricultural hoes crossed on the chest and wears, on the back, the strap of the seed bag clearly visible in relief, in accordance with the function of the ouchebti as a substitute for the deceased in fieldwork in the afterlife.
The body is covered with hieroglyphs in vertical columns, carved into the clay before firing, probably a version of Chapter 6 of the Book of the Dead, invoking the activation of the ouchebti in service of the deceased. The faience displays a beautiful, homogeneous turquoise glaze, with minor surface wear due to time.
Note: a visible collage at the neck level, stable and properly restored. No other significant damage or restoration. Overall very beautiful condition, with a remarkable aesthetic presence.
The base is provided with the object.
Provenance
Private Belgian collection established in the early 1980s by Mr. P. and passed down to his daughter.
An invoice and a certificate of authenticity from the expert will be provided to the buyer.
The item will be sent and insured by DHL Express.
Warning
No shipping outside the European Union.
The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object.
The seller will not ship outside the EU.
Seller's Story
Founded in 1978, the gallery is dedicated to classical archaeology and ancient numismatics.
It is located in Brussels, in the historic Sablon district, a leading spot of the European antique market.
Translated by Google TranslatePtolemaic ostracon in turquoise blue faience.
Egypt, Ptolemaic period, 4th – 1st century BC
Height: 15.5 cm – Width: 4.3 cm.
Superb turquoise blue faience ouchebti, depicting the deceased in momiforme wearing a tripartite striped wig and equipped with a long braided false beard. The face, particularly expressive and smiling, is typical of late Ptolemaic productions: full cheekbones, slightly almond-shaped eyes, and a mouth animated by a subtle smile. The features are rendered with finesse, indicating a careful workshop.
The figure holds agricultural hoes crossed on the chest and wears, on the back, the strap of the seed bag clearly visible in relief, in accordance with the function of the ouchebti as a substitute for the deceased in fieldwork in the afterlife.
The body is covered with hieroglyphs in vertical columns, carved into the clay before firing, probably a version of Chapter 6 of the Book of the Dead, invoking the activation of the ouchebti in service of the deceased. The faience displays a beautiful, homogeneous turquoise glaze, with minor surface wear due to time.
Note: a visible collage at the neck level, stable and properly restored. No other significant damage or restoration. Overall very beautiful condition, with a remarkable aesthetic presence.
The base is provided with the object.
Provenance
Private Belgian collection established in the early 1980s by Mr. P. and passed down to his daughter.
An invoice and a certificate of authenticity from the expert will be provided to the buyer.
The item will be sent and insured by DHL Express.
Warning
No shipping outside the European Union.
The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object.
The seller will not ship outside the EU.
Seller's Story
Founded in 1978, the gallery is dedicated to classical archaeology and ancient numismatics.
It is located in Brussels, in the historic Sablon district, a leading spot of the European antique market.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Egypt, Ptolemaic
Century/ Timeframe
4ème au 1er siècle avant J-C.
Name of object
Shabti
Acquired from
Private collection
Subject/Depiction
other
Year acquired
2025
Material
Faience
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
15.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Width
4.3 cm
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
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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.
