Egyptian Amarna Bes with kohl vase
E197£6,000.00
Sold
A rare and fine fragmentary burnt steatite kohl vessel in the form of the god Bes holding a double-handled wine jar. The wine jar is decorated with multiple rows of incised bands and has two small piercings at the rim for attaching a lid. The figure of Bes is shown with powerful musculature and pronounced ribs, he wears a short kilt decorated with a pair of Udjat Eyes on the rear.
The body of the figure is hollowed vertically, probably for the insertion of wood or ivory kohl sticks which would have protruded from the top of the head like a plumed crown.
Culture
Egypt, 18th Dynasty; probably Amarna, reign of Akhenaten, c. 1351-1334 BC
Condition
Fragment as shown, mounted on a painted wood display stand
Size
7 x 7.4 cms, 12 cms including stand
Provenance
Ex. private estate, London, UK; formerly acquired by family descent. The collection was probably formed between c. 1880-1920.
Mounted on a painted wood display stand
For another vessel in serpentine, possibly from the same workshop, also depicting Bes holding a wine jar shaped container: please see The State Museum for Egyptian Art, Munich, Germany; AS4868. (Dated to the 18th Dynasty, c. 1300 BC)
For a figure of Bes with very similar modelling, particularly in the portrayal of the arm muscles, please see: City of Akhenaten, Frankfort and Pendlebury, 1933, volume II, plate XXXVIII
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Thank you Rolf for another stunning item. I am a repeat customer. Helios Gallery is one of the most outstanding dealership enterprises online. Rolf always provides excellent service and is an expert in his field. Response from Helios Gallery Thank you, Brian, the mask is amazing, so glad you like it, Sam & Rolf 🙂
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9th August 2024
Only the quality of your offerings surpasses your incredible knowledge. Thank you for providing the opportunity to be the next custodian of such an extraordinary artefact.
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you so much Brad, delighted you love the little vase, Sam & Rolf 🙂
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Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Robin, Glad you like the little Osiris figure and thank you for taking the time to leave a kind comment about us, Sam & Rolf 🙂
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The sandals have just arrived thank you. Unfortunately they don’t fit me so I have put them in my display cabinet where they look amazing along with the rest of my antiquities. Once again thank you and happy Christmas to you both.
Response from Helios Gallery
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Helios - excellent collection of items to buy & excellent customer service
16th December 2023
I have just purchased my ninth item from Helios and will continue to make this company my first choice when I want to buy an antiquity. I always feel confident that whatever I decide to buy is authentic and fairly priced, and the service provided to customers is excellent. Thank you Rolf and Sam
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Excellent Experience!
2nd April 2024
This was my first time purchasing from this vendor and I couldn’t be happier. Once I placed my order, they personally emailed me thanking me and ensured it would be shipped out the next day. One week later, across the Atlantic – I received my piece. It was securely packed and handled with care. I look forward to supporting this vendor in the future!
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Smooth transaction. Will return.
13th September 2023
Item as described. Carefully packaged and promptly delivered. A happy purchaser! Will continue to visit this dealer.
Response from Helios Gallery
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7th September 2023
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31st March 2023
These people have become my go-to place for reasonably priced antiquities with excellent provenance. I know I can count on them to be ethical and responsible in our dealings, and my purchases always arrive on time or even early at times.
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Thank you, Richard, for your kind review, so glad you are pleased with us, we try to have an interesting group of Antiquities for sale. Sam & Rolf
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Response from Helios Gallery
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17th January 2023
I bought two exceptionel wonderful greek terracottas.
Fantastic items and fantastic service by the Helios Gallery.
Highly recommended!
Response from Helios Gallery
Fab comment Stefan, so glad you love the terracotta’s and thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Sam & Rolf:)