Gilt Wooden Figure of a Cat

Culture: Egyptian

Period: Ptolemaic period, 332 to 30 B.C.

Material: Wood, gilt

Dimensions: 17.7 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 1098

Provenance: Collection Gustav Schütz, Vienna. Acquired between 1920 and 1935. Thence continued to be in the family’s property. With a handwritten provenance authentication from the heiress.

Condition: Gold glaze chipped in places, one ear worn.

Description: Extremely rare wooden figure of the goddess Bastet, who in later times was worshiped in form of a cat. The very finely modelled cat sits on its original base. The gilt cover is mainly preserved. On the few places, where the gilt glaze is missing, a thin linen cover over the wood is visible. Bastet sits straight with bent hind legs, resting on its front paws. The ears are upright and alert. Between the ears the form of a scarab is still recognizable. The eyes are painted and inserted. The back is especially finely formed, with clearly visible shoulder bones. On the bottom of the base an old collection label with a number.