An Egyptian Serpentine Ushabti of Kenj, 19th Dynasty, 1292-1190 B.C.

holding hoes and seed-sack, another agricultural implement with criss-crossing ropes tucked into the back of his kilt below the proper right shoulder, and wearing a long-sleeved shirt, long pleated kilt with over-fold, broad beaded collar, and double wig composed of zig-zag and echeloned curls, his face with slightly aquiline nose and wide-set eyes, a column of inscription on the over-fold and five lines of inscription on the kilt behind naming the owner and reciting chapter VI from the Book of the Dead.

Felix J. May Collection, Zurich, Switzerland, acquired in the 2nd half of the 1970s

Hermann A. Schlögl and Andreas Brodbeck, Ägyptische Totenfiguren aus Öffentlichen und Privaten Sammlungen der Schweiz, Freiburg and Göttingen, 1990, p. 90, no. 33, illus.

Very good. Note chip on back of wig. Two deep scratches and shallow chips on the upper back have been filled in. There is a diagonal hairline crack on the feet in front, the bottom of it visible in catalogue photo. Minor old nicks , abrasions, and surface wear.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For related examples see P. Newberry, Funerary Statuettes and Model Sarcophagi, Cairo, 1937-57, nos. 47222 and 47224, L. Berman, The Cleveland Museum of Art. Catalog of Egyptian Art, New York, 1999, p. 349, no. 261 (Ushabti for Nebmehyt), and R. Schulz and M. Seidel, Egyptian Art. The Walters Art Museum, London, 2009, pp. 98-99, no. 40.

The current lot was once considered for inclusion in the 1978 Basel exhibition and catalogue Geschenk des Nils curated by H.A. Schlögl, but the ushabti of Kasa, from the same collection was selected instead (see Sotheby's, New York, June 12th, 2003, no. 84).