Lot 96
  • 96

A Fragmentary Egyptian Rock Crystal Amulet of Thoeris, New Kingdom, 1540-1075 B.C.

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
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Description

  • A Fragmentary Egyptian Rock Crystal Amulet of Thoeris
  • rock crystal
  • 7.3 cm.
holding a sa-sign before her and wearing a tripartite wig, the hippopotamus-headed goddess with pregnant belly, pendulous breasts, gaping mouth, and crocodile tail incised with a chevron pattern,  a protruding circular mortise on top of her head for attachment of the crown.

Provenance

Gillian Anne Fortini, née Edmonds (1928-2014), Asunción, Lugano, and Paris, acquired prior to 1976
by descent to the present owner

Condition

Stone is translucent and not red/pink as it appears in catalogue photos. Lower jaw and fang chipped. Small chips and abrasions on proper left-side and back of head. Front of hands abraded. Element on top of head is a tenon or remains of a crown, not a mortise as described in catalogue.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

For a complete example, 9.83 cm. high, cf. British Museum, inv. no.  1892,1213.1 (I. Shaw and P. Nicholson, British Museum Dictionary of Ancient Egypt, 1995, p. 283: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=129802).