Ancient Egypt, Ptolemaic Turquoise faience Amulet - Ushabti (Shabti)
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 430 - € 500
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Description from the seller
A fine ushabti (shabti) funerary figurine in Egyptian faience with a turquoise / blue-green glaze, depicting a mummiform servant of the afterlife. The figure wears a tripartite wig (three-part lappets falling over the shoulders) with a carefully modelled face (brow ridge, nose and mouth still visible).
On the front, the arms are shown in relief and the chest/torso bears traces of incised decoration and/or inscription, now largely worn. The back shows a dorsal pillar / recessed panel typical of many Late Period faience ushabtis, and the figurine stands on a rectangular plinth base.
Historical context:
Ushabtis were placed in tombs to act as “substitute workers” for the deceased in the afterlife, answering when called upon (often linked to funerary spells, especially the tradition of Book of the Dead Spell 6). The turquoise faience is not merely decorative: its blue-green tone was strongly associated with regeneration and rebirth in Egyptian belief.
Material:
Egyptian faience (siliceous composition) with turquoise glaze, showing expected pitting and glaze wear consistent with age.
Period:
Based on the mummiform body, tripartite wig, simplified moulded modelling, dorsal pillar/panel and plinth base, plus faience turquoise glaze, this example is most consistent with the Late Period tradition, especially 27th–30th Dynasty (c. 525–332 BC).
Because the modelling and decoration are relatively schematic and the inscription is not strongly legible, it could also extend into the early Ptolemaic period (after 332 BC).
Dimensions
Height: approx. 11 cm.
Condition
As found / as-is. Surface wear, glaze losses and mineral deposits; incised inscription present but heavily worn. Please examine all photos carefully.
Seller's Story
At Mythika Curio, we specialize in sourcing and offering rare antiques, vintage objects, collectible artworks, and timeless design pieces.
Each lot is carefully selected for its historical, artistic, or decorative value — from 19th and 20th-century European glass and ceramics to Pre-Columbian artifacts and unique vintage textiles.
Our items are sourced from private collections, estate sales, and reputable auctions across Europe. We are passionate about cultural heritage and aesthetics, and we strive to connect meaningful objects with collectors, designers, and enthusiasts around the world.
With Mythika Curio, collect timeless objects with soul.
A fine ushabti (shabti) funerary figurine in Egyptian faience with a turquoise / blue-green glaze, depicting a mummiform servant of the afterlife. The figure wears a tripartite wig (three-part lappets falling over the shoulders) with a carefully modelled face (brow ridge, nose and mouth still visible).
On the front, the arms are shown in relief and the chest/torso bears traces of incised decoration and/or inscription, now largely worn. The back shows a dorsal pillar / recessed panel typical of many Late Period faience ushabtis, and the figurine stands on a rectangular plinth base.
Historical context:
Ushabtis were placed in tombs to act as “substitute workers” for the deceased in the afterlife, answering when called upon (often linked to funerary spells, especially the tradition of Book of the Dead Spell 6). The turquoise faience is not merely decorative: its blue-green tone was strongly associated with regeneration and rebirth in Egyptian belief.
Material:
Egyptian faience (siliceous composition) with turquoise glaze, showing expected pitting and glaze wear consistent with age.
Period:
Based on the mummiform body, tripartite wig, simplified moulded modelling, dorsal pillar/panel and plinth base, plus faience turquoise glaze, this example is most consistent with the Late Period tradition, especially 27th–30th Dynasty (c. 525–332 BC).
Because the modelling and decoration are relatively schematic and the inscription is not strongly legible, it could also extend into the early Ptolemaic period (after 332 BC).
Dimensions
Height: approx. 11 cm.
Condition
As found / as-is. Surface wear, glaze losses and mineral deposits; incised inscription present but heavily worn. Please examine all photos carefully.
Seller's Story
At Mythika Curio, we specialize in sourcing and offering rare antiques, vintage objects, collectible artworks, and timeless design pieces.
Each lot is carefully selected for its historical, artistic, or decorative value — from 19th and 20th-century European glass and ceramics to Pre-Columbian artifacts and unique vintage textiles.
Our items are sourced from private collections, estate sales, and reputable auctions across Europe. We are passionate about cultural heritage and aesthetics, and we strive to connect meaningful objects with collectors, designers, and enthusiasts around the world.
With Mythika Curio, collect timeless objects with soul.
Details
Era
Before 1400
Culture
Ancient Egypt, Ptolemaic
Metal
Turquoise faience
Century/ Timeframe
Late Period (c. 525-332 BC), possibly early Ptolemaic
Acquired from
Auction house
Total weight
60 g
Year acquired
2025
Ethnic group/ culture
Ancient Egyptian
Condition
Good condition - used with some signs of wear
Country acquired from
France
Country of Origin
Egypt
Indigenous object name
Ushabti (Shabti)
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Sold with stand
No
Title additional information
Ushabti (Shabti)
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Width
1 cm
Length
11 cm
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