Egypt, Late Dynastic period, 25th to 26th Dynasty, ca. 712 to 525 BCE. A heavy cast-bronze figure of the mummiform Osiris, god of the Underworld. This would likely have been a votive figure, perhaps made to be kept in a wealthy home and prayed to, deposited in a temple as an offering, or, most likely, kept for ritual with other metallic objects by priests. He wears a white crown, symbolic of a pharaoh's rule over Upper Egypt, with a frontal uraeus. In his hands, which he holds close together at his chest, he holds a flagellum and a short-handled heka scepter - both symbols of authority and kingship, showing Osiris's close connection with the pharaoh and his role as Ruler of the Dead. His round face displays almond eyes, large ears, and thick lips below a petite nose, with a pleated false beard strapped to his chin. Incised decoration gives further detail to his tools, his crown, and his beard. Custom stone display stand included. Size: 1.625" W x 6.375" H (4.1 cm x 16.2 cm); 7.25" H (18.4 cm) on included custom stand.

A similar example hammered for $16,800 at Sotheby's New York Antiquities Auction (June 9, 2004 - Lot 64): http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2004/antiquities-n08003/lot.64.html

Provenance: private Davis collection, Houston, Texas, USA; ex-Christies, December 13, 2013 Antiquities Auction, Lot 13; ex-Summa Galleries, Los Angeles, California, USA, 1982; ex-Thomas James Collins collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, thereafter acquired by the current owner, New York, New York, USA

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#132859

Small area of repair to top of feet. Surface wear commensurate with age, fading to some incised details, minor nicks to feet, face, and body, with light discoloration, otherwise near-choice. Light earthen deposits within recessed areas, and great green and brown patina throughout.