An Egyptian Basalt Block Statue of Sau-Hor, Tanis, 21st Dynasty, 1075-944 B.C.

seated on a low base, his hands emerging from his enveloping cloak and crossed over his knees, holding a lettuce in his right hand, and wearing sandals, short beard, and striated wig falling to the top of the inscribed back-pillar, a standing figure of Amun in front, the god holding a was-scepter in his left hand, wearing a pleated kilt, broad collar, and beard, and flanked by two columns of inscriptions one naming "Amun, king of the gods and lord of heaven," the two columns of inscription on the back pillar translating "(1) Divine father of Amun, royal scribe, steward, overseer of the granaries of Pharaoh: life, heath, and strength; (2) Divine father of Khonsu and great (...) of the palanquin of King Psusennes-beloved-of-Amun, the great god, Sau-hor, true of voice."

acquired by the present owners at auction in Munich in the early 1970s

Generally good and as shown. Note that the head of Amun is missing and the figure is also heavily chipped, including the front of the left foot. Numerous large chips around the base affecting the toes of the seated figure. Some scratches and minor nicks overall. Inscription highly worn. Areas of surface wear to the face and elsewhere.
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.

Most block statues with a figure of Amun in front show him encased in a naos; see, for instance, R. Schulz, Die Entwicklung und Bedeutung des kuboiden Statuentypus, Hildesheim, 1992, vol. II, nos. 141 (pl. 59), 143 (pl. 61), and 325 (pl. 137).

The present statue will be included in an article about Sau-hor by Olivier Perdu, to whom we are grateful for his contribution to this entry.