Tall and Impressive Egyptian Bronze Osiris

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Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic

By Artemis Gallery

Feb 18, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-02-18 10:00:00 2021-02-18 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-6373
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• Lot Description
  Egypt, Third Intermediate Period to Late Dynastic Period, ca. 1070 to 332 BCE. A heavy and detailed cast bronze figure of the mummiform god of the Underworld, Osiris. This would have been a votive figure, perhaps made to be kept in a (very!) wealthy home and prayed to, deposited in a temple as an offering, or, most likely, kept for ritual with other metallic objects by priests. Comes with custom wood stand. Size: 3.25" W x 10.2" H (8.3 cm x 25.9 cm); height on stand: 11.55" (29.3 cm).
  
  He wears a tight shroud and Atef crown, with two lateral plumes flanking a uraeus. In his hands, which he holds close together at his chest, he has a flagellum and a short-handled heka scepter (perhaps indicating that this piece is from Thebes) - both are Egyptian symbols of authority and kingship, showing Osiris's close connection with the pharaoh and his role as Ruler of the Dead. He has a round face, with almond-shaped eyes, large ears, and thick lips below a straight nose. He also has the classic Egyptian false beard, incised to look like it is braided. Incised decoration gives further detail to his tools, his crown, and a pectoral underneath his shroud. One wonderful detail is found on his otherwise unornamented back - incised lines create a tie to hold his crown in place, with its strings hanging down his back.
  
  Antiquities from the collection of Albert J. Zaloom were assembled from the 1970 to 1990s. Mr. Zaloom was of Middle Eastern descent and grew up in Brooklyn. He was owner of Zaloom Brothers, a firm dealing in pistachios. He served as the 37th President of the prestigious New York Numismatic Club, from 1992-1993, and subsequently on its Board. He was an enthusiastic collector of ancient coins, medals and antiquities.
  
  
  
  Purportedly published in "Egyptian, Greek, and Roman Antiquities Property of Mrs. Charles E. Crawley," Parke-Bernet Galleries Inc. 1957, but we have been unable to confirm.
  
  Provenance: Ex Albert Zaloom Collection, assembled 1970s-1990s, from Robert J. Myers, invoice dated 11/25/1976
  
  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.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  #120532

  Condition

  Slight surface wear commensurate with age; however, details are excellent. There are a couple of minute nicks (possibly casting flaws) to the edge of the left proper side of the Atef crown, casting flaws over the feet, and a few other minor nicks, scuffs, abraded areas, and possible casting flaws to the form. Otherwise, this piece is intact, presents with beautiful patina, and is quite impressive.
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