**Originally Listed At $5000**

Ancient Egypt, Late Dynastic to Ptolemaic period, ca. 664 to 30 BCE. A rare and remarkably preserved bronze figure of Harpokrates Amun presenting as the nude child god Horus in a seated position and surmounted by a towering, double feather crown and sun disk associated with the god Amun, and gilt eyes. Harpokrates is depicted traditionally with his finger raised to his mouth - a physical manifestation of the Egyptian hieroglyph for child - and a long, separately-cast sidelock hanging down the right side of his head. A necklace with a teardrop-shaped amulet falls down his chest. Size: 1.8" W x 8.1" H (4.6 cm x 20.6 cm); 8.8" H (22.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Amun (also spelled Amon, Ammon, and Amen) - the Egyptian god of sun and air - was one of the most significant deities of ancient Egypt who became prominent in Thebes at the dawn of the New Kingdom. His name literally means "the hidden one", "invisible", or "mysterious in form", and quite interestingly, as opposed to other Egyptian deities, Amun was regarded as Lord of All representing every aspect of creation.

Harpokrates (also Harpocrates) was, in many ways, one of the most popular deities in the Egyptian pantheon for centuries on end. The offspring of Osiris and Isis, Harpokrates was originally thought to be a protective deity, warding dangerous magic and creatures away from the wielder of his effigy. His depiction as a child was a common sight in ancient Egypt as infantile gods were favored to their adult characterizations from roughly the Third Intermediate Period on into Greco-Roman times. Created mostly as temple votives, child gods were thought to have a higher concentration of power and influence, thus making for a stronger prayer request when left as an offering.

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.

Provenance: ex-Royal Athena Galleries, New York City, New York, USA; ex-Pierre Berge, November 30, 2012; ex-Florent Dalcq (1878-1950) collection, Belgium

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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#177264

Professionally repaired with restoration and painting over break lines. Otherwise, excellent with impressive preservation of detail and nice remains of gilding in eyes. Rich patina throughout.