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Ancient Egyptian Bronze and Gold Oxyrhynchus Fish
$160,000
£120,874.08
€138,616.37
CA$223,249.44
A$242,964
CHF 128,794.99
MX$2,923,042.56
NOK 1,633,534.08
SEK 1,494,569.28
DKK 1,035,569.28
About the Item
One of the finest known examples of the type, this superbly cast, and delicately gilded Oxyrhynchus fish is a masterpiece of the highest order. Naturalistically rendered with deeply incised fins and scales, the subject is set on a hollow rectangular integral base, with wavy incised lines that simulate the Nile river. One of the two inlaid black stone eyes remain, along with sparkling gold inlay throughout. There is also a small patch of gold foil on the top of the head, just to the front of the remaining headdress fragment at the crown. Overall, between the elegant form, the masterful execution, the sumptuous detail, and graceful presentation this example encapsulates the best of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship.
Notes
The Oxyrhynchus fish, or medjed, is an elephant fish that was a primary focus of worship around the Egyptian city of Per-Medjed (Greek Oxyrhynchus) in Upper Egypt. It was closely associated with both the god Osiris and the goddess Hathor and held sacred, particularly in the town of the same name mentioned above, Oxyrhynchus (modern el-Behnasa), as well as at el-Omari, the site of a necropolis for mummified fish. In the most complete account of the Osiris myth, recorded by the Greek Historian Plutarch in the first to second centuries AD, Osiris was dismembered by his vengeful brother, Set. After Set scattered the body parts throughout Egypt, Osiris's phallus was eaten by the oxyrhychus. The Roman author Aelian, writing in the second to third centuries AD, attested that fisherman took great pains to remove the oxyrhynchus from their nets, though tomb representations do show the fish being caught for food. The oxyrhynchus was also associated with the goddess Hathor and was frequently portrayed wearing her characteristic crown.
During the Late period, there was a proliferation of small bronze images of deities and sacred objects presented as votive offerings in temples. It is possible that this figure was dedicated at such a cult center.
Provenance
Mathias Komor (1909-1984), New York.
Anonymous sale; Sotheby's, New York, 23 June 1989.
Merrin Gallery, New York.
Private collection, USA, acquired from the above in June 1989.
Antiquities Bonhams London, July 3rd, 2019.
Private Collection, Los Angeles California.
- Dimensions:Height: 4.25 in (10.8 cm)Width: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
- Style:Egyptian (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:New Kingdom/Third Intermediate Period, 18th - 22nd Dynasty, circa 1550 BC to 735 BC
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Very fine condition, with rich green surface patina throughout. Inlaid stone left eye missing, with a loss to the nose. Remains of gilding on both body and integral base, copious incised details preserved throughout on fins, tail, scales, and mouth.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: MS.00151stDibs: LU10743247979762
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