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Egyptian Cat head Carved in Fossil Limestone
$25,000
£18,686.81
€21,561.83
CA$34,997.48
A$36,977.96
CHF 19,889.82
MX$442,751.40
NOK 249,196.20
SEK 228,227.55
DKK 161,007
About the Item
Carved from nummulitic limestone and mounted on a sleek bronze base, this Egyptian cat head is an enigmatic display piece. From the material’s creation in the Eocene period – around 50 million years ago – to its choice by an Egyptian sculptor in the Late Period (7th century BC), it has a layered and multifaceted history. The material itself was formed in the Eocene, and such limestone is typical of Egyptian geological history. The ancient Egyptians famously used such limestone in the construction of their pyramids, and again, it is seen here as the material chosen for one of their most sacred animals – the cat. Rendered naturalistically, the sleek snout turning into arched eyebrows, and its seemingly-smiling mouth, incised with whiskers, lends the creature a powerful presence.
Closely associated with the goddess Bastet, cats held a position of unique importance in Egyptian religious and cultural life. Revered since the First Dynasty, they were regarded as the protectors of the Pharaoh and as Earthly manifestation of the goddess Bastet - deity of fertility, protection, and domestic harmony. While cherished as household companions, cats were also considered divine intermediaries, often bred and worshipped in the temple sanctuaries. To harm a cat was considered a grave offence, and upon their death, they were mummified and buried with considerable ceremony.
With the custom mount, it is ready to be displayed on a desk, shelf or table, and is an enigmatic addition to both the natural history or art collection.
Provenance
With the Arcade Gallery, London, by 5 November 1973;
UK Private Collection, acquired from the above; thence by descent.
Please note that this item is a work of art and is thus exempt from US reciprocal tariffs.
ArtAncient are dealers in rare wonders from the formation of the Solar System to late antiquity, discovering, studying and placing objects in extraordinary collections. Please contact us for more details on this piece.
- Dimensions:Height: 4.34 in (11 cm)Width: 3.55 in (9 cm)Depth: 4.73 in (12 cm)
- Style:Egyptian (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Late Period, c.7th century BC
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: 435961stDibs: LU1052248445002
About the Seller
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Associations
LAPADA - The Association of Arts
Antiques DealersInternational Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers
AssociationsThe British Antique Dealers
Association
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: London, United Kingdom
- Return Policy
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