ITEM: Statuette of Sphinx
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Egyptian
PERIOD: Late Period, 664 - 332 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 45 mm x 64 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired between 1980 - 1990

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 4 to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the amount of the sale, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Statuettes of sphinxes were prevalent in ancient Egyptian art and culture, symbolizing the power, wisdom, and guardianship associated with these mythical creatures. The sphinx, with its body of a lion and the head of a human or deity, was revered in ancient Egypt as a protective guardian and a symbol of divine authority. Statuettes of sphinxes were commonly placed in temples, tombs, and other sacred sites to ward off evil spirits, protect sacred spaces, and honor the gods.

Egyptian statuettes of sphinxes typically depicted the creature in a seated position with its forelegs outstretched and its wings extended. These statues were often made from materials such as limestone, granite, or bronze and ranged in size from small votive offerings to monumental sculptures. The sphinx's enigmatic expression and regal posture conveyed a sense of power and majesty, reflecting the divine attributes associated with these mythical beings.

In addition to their protective and religious significance, statuettes of sphinxes were also used as decorative elements in ancient Egyptian architecture and furnishings. Sphinx motifs adorned temple facades, palace walls, and royal thrones, serving as symbols of kingship, authority, and divine favor. The sphinx's association with the pharaohs and the gods underscored its importance in Egyptian society, where it was revered as a potent symbol of royal power and spiritual protection.

Good condition

4.5 x 6.4 cm