A TURQUOISE FAIENCE THOTH AMULET, LATE PERIOD

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A TURQUOISE FAIENCE THOTH AMULET, LATE PERIOD This lot is from a single owner collection and is therefore offered without reserve Egypt, 664-332 BC. Skillfully modelled, the anthropomorphic figure depicted striding forward with the left leg advanced upon a rectangular base, the arms hang straight at the sides, while clad in a pleated loincloth. The carefully defined avian head characterized by a prominent curved beak and long locks of hair falling over the shoulders. A vertical support projects from the back and is pierced with a small circular perforation intended for suspension. Important Note: For essential information on the Jorgen Ruben Gallery Ledger and provenance documentation please visit here: www.zacke.at/rubencollection_ledger Dimensions: Height 4.9 cm Amulets often represent deities in order to invoke their protection and specific powers. Such amulets were used by the living and often placed on mummies as well. The piece here depicts the god Thoth as a man with an ibis-head. Thoth was the god of knowledge and writing, and he was thought to have healing powers. Thoth amulets were popular mummy amulets, which possibly relates to his healing powers and to his role as recorder of the final judgment, in which it was determined if the deceased had lived a virtuous life. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related turquoise faience amulet of Thoth, 5.1 cm high, dated Late Period, in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, inventory number INV 1170. Compare a closely related turquoise faience amulet of Thoth, 4.8 cm high, dated Late Period, in the Art Institute of Chicago, reference number 1894.190. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s London, 11 December 2019, lot 176 Price: GBP 6,250 or approx. EUR 9,400 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, glaze, and subject. Note the size (10 cm).

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