Egypt, Ptolemaic period, ca. 305 to 30 BCE. A rare and impressive wood plaque of Shu, the Egyptian god of peace, lions, air, and wind who personifies the air, enveloped in lustrous remains of gilding. The striding deity is shown in profile in his traditional dress of a shendyt kilt and a tripartite wig with a feather atop his head. He holds out one hand in a blessing gesture, as his other arm falls to his side. Shu is known as the father of Nut (goddess of the sky) and Geb (god of the earth) with his sister and wife Tefnut (goddess of moisture) and is associated with calmness and order. Size: 1" W x 3.3" H (2.5 cm x 8.4 cm); 3.9" H (9.9 cm) on included custom stand.
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Provenance: ex-Royal Athena Galleries, New York City, New York, USA; ex-Pierre Berge, Paris, November 30, 2012; ex-Edouard Louis Josepg, Baron Empain (1852-1929) collection
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#177259
Condition
Professionally repaired with restoration. Expected surface wear commensurate with age, but otherwise in very nice condition with ample remains of gilding.