**Originally Listed At $1000**
Egypt, probably Alexandria, Romano-Egyptian Period, ca. 30 BCE to 2nd century CE. A fine brownware pottery molded juglet depicting the head of Bes, a dwarf protector deity, with a small strap handle to one side of his head. Fine facial details include ovoid eyes, a squat nose, slightly protruded lips, and a pair of circular ears accented by an elaborate beard which is often interpreted as a lion’s mane. The vessel features a stout neck and a thick lip. The deity Bes watched over the members of a household, particularly the women and children, and protected them with the magical sign "sa." Size: 4" W x 4.6" H (10.2 cm x 11.7 cm)
Alexandria was an important port town in Roman-controlled Egypt, and through it came Roman culture and ideas into the ancient kingdom. Part of this ideological movement included items, like this figure, produced by the healthy ceramic industry that sprang up in the city which produced domestic and funerary ware, votive statues, toys, and other items. Egypt of course had its own tradition of pottery items prior to the arrival of the Greco-Romans, but the Romans brought new forms of material culture that seem to have become quickly fashionable.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Robert Hobart collection, acquired from David Hendin at Amphora Auctions
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#163871
Condition
Light earthen deposits scattered throughout. Rim a minor chip along its periphery. Otherwise in excellent condition and fully intact.