AN EGYPTIAN POLYCHROME WOOD ‘ANKH AND WAS’ SARCOPHAGUS FRAGMENT, LATE PERIOD-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD

拍品描述

AN EGYPTIAN POLYCHROME WOOD ‘ANKH AND WAS’ SARCOPHAGUS FRAGMENT, LATE PERIOD-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD This lot is from a single owner collection and is therefore offered without reserve Egypt, 664-30 BC. Finely painted with a band of white ankh (life)-sign flanked by two Seth-headed was-scepters (dominion), all enclosed within a geometric band composed of rectangular beads. One narrow side is inscribed with a series of hieroglyphs. Important Note: For essential information on the Jorgen Ruben Gallery Ledger and provenance documentation please visit here: www.zacke.at/rubencollection_ledger Dimensions: Height 44 cm These rectangular decorative panels show a combination of two hieroglyphs, the ankh and was-scepter, with the ankh made up of a T-shaped form topped by a circle and symbolizing life. The was-scepter has the head of a dog-like animal with the lower extremities made into a two-pronged scepter, and symbolizes royal authority. The ankh represents life, especially divine or eternal life. In temple and tomb contexts, it often signifies the life force bestowed by the gods, sometimes shown held to the nose of a king or deceased person as the breath of life. The was-scepter represents dominion, power, authority, and divine control. Its long staff, forked base, and animal-headed finial are traditionally associated with the so-called Seth animal, though the was-scepter itself was not limited to Seth. It was carried by many gods and kings as a sign of cosmic and royal authority. When the ankh is placed between two was-scepters, the image becomes a compact visual formula for “life and dominion” or “eternal life and divine power.” The symmetrical arrangement gives the motif a protective, almost heraldic quality. Repeated in a frieze, it likely served as a decorative and symbolic blessing, multiplying the promise of life, stability, and divine authority across the sacred space. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s London, 1 October 2014, lot 178 Price: GBP 4,750 or approx. EUR 8,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the related manner of painting and motifs. Note the much larger size (89 cm).

图片