Description:
This is a small green glazed amulet showing Ptah, the ancient creator god of Memphis and patron of all craftsmen. The god is depicted in his usual way, in a distinctive mummiform shape. Only his head is emerging, as are probably his hands, although these are not clearly visible on this amulet. His hands grasp a was-sceptre, a long, straight staff with a forked lower end and a stylised animal head on top (a symbol of power). His face is rendered with details in relief, such as the large, bulging eyes with eye lids, the eyebrows, the lips, ears and nose, quite remarkable for an amulet of this small size. Ptah is wearing a tight-fitting skull cap and a straight false beard. The back pillar is pierced horizontally for suspension.
Dating:
Late Period, circa 664-332 B.C.
Size:
Height 3.5 cm.
Provenance:
Dutch private collection; with Bonhams London, ca. 2004; previously UK private collection; previously Rogers collection, United Kingdom, ca. 1850-1860.
Condition:
An old break just above the feet reglued; else intact with some age related encrustation; mounted on a wood block stand with an old label.
SOLD
Stock number:
E0782