Ancient Egypt, Late Period Faience Plaque Amulet with Bes

08
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Peter Reynaers
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Selected by Peter Reynaers

Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.

Estimate  € 280 - € 350
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Ancient Egyptian Late Period turquoise faience rectangular plaque amulet depicting the head of Bes, circa 664–332 BC, 2.7 cm by 2.2 cm, with a suspension loop and repaired condition.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

A fine Ancient Egyptian turquoise faience rectangular plaque amulet depicting the head of Bes on one side. The head of the dwarf deity is depicted, facing forward, large ears facing outwards. The facial features are carefully rendered, displaying his almond shaped eyes, large nose and beard. A large suspension loop has been attached to the top. The reverse of the amulet is unworked and plain. Earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as pitting, scratches, and chipping (to the suspension loop). Discolouration to the left side of the face. Right corner of the face and the beard has been chipped and repaired, with a crack still visible.

Bes was known as a dwarf god and considered a protector of the home and of women and children. He was an unusual deity in the Egyptian pantheon as very little is known of his creation and he had no dedicated temples. He was however one of the most important gods and was worshiped fastidiously across Egyptian homes, with small dedicated shrines. Visually he was portrayed front-on, in comparison to a profile view seen of Egyptian wall art. He was described as a dwarf god, a warrior with a demonic quality to him and was a culmination of man and animal. As a warrior he was seen as a protector, initially especially for women and children but this role grew to include anyone who needed it.

Measurements: (circa) L 2.7cm x W 2.2cm

Provenance: From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

Seller's Story

N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE. ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price. Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees. Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

A fine Ancient Egyptian turquoise faience rectangular plaque amulet depicting the head of Bes on one side. The head of the dwarf deity is depicted, facing forward, large ears facing outwards. The facial features are carefully rendered, displaying his almond shaped eyes, large nose and beard. A large suspension loop has been attached to the top. The reverse of the amulet is unworked and plain. Earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as pitting, scratches, and chipping (to the suspension loop). Discolouration to the left side of the face. Right corner of the face and the beard has been chipped and repaired, with a crack still visible.

Bes was known as a dwarf god and considered a protector of the home and of women and children. He was an unusual deity in the Egyptian pantheon as very little is known of his creation and he had no dedicated temples. He was however one of the most important gods and was worshiped fastidiously across Egyptian homes, with small dedicated shrines. Visually he was portrayed front-on, in comparison to a profile view seen of Egyptian wall art. He was described as a dwarf god, a warrior with a demonic quality to him and was a culmination of man and animal. As a warrior he was seen as a protector, initially especially for women and children but this role grew to include anyone who needed it.

Measurements: (circa) L 2.7cm x W 2.2cm

Provenance: From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

Seller's Story

N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE. ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price. Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees. Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

Details

Culture
Ancient Egypt, Late Period
Century/timeframe
Circa 664-332 BC
Name of object
Plaque Amulet with Bes
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1990
Material
Faience
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Repaired
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1920
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
United KingdomVerified
9548
Objects sold
100%
protop

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.

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