Sold for $56,700

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

An Egyptian Faience Hippopotamus

Middle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty, 1991-1783 B.C.

Length 6 1/4 inches (15.9 cm).

Property from a Private West Coast Collection

Provenance:
Sotheby's, New York, Antiquities and Islamic Art, 29 May 1987, Lot 43.
Royal Athena Galleries, New York. [Inv. no. MJ1701]
Private Collection, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, acquired from the above in 1987.
Private Collection (J.M.), Amsterdam, 2005-2017.
with Royal Athena Galleries, New York, 2006 (Art of the Ancient World, Vol. XVII, no. 197).
Acquired by the present owner from the above, 13 September 2021.

Though their meaning remains ambivalent, modern scholars continue to debate the significance of Egyptian faience statuettes in the form of hippopotami. In ancient Egypt, it was believed that one of the earliest pharaohs was killed by a hippopotamus while hunting on the Nile River. From temple wall scenes depicting their harpooning to tomb gifts found in burial chambers, the “river horse” has played an important role in ancient Egypt’s material culture. Spending much of their time submerged in the primeval mud of the Nile, some believe they represent the evil forces of the Underworld and the god Seth, while others believe they serve as symbols of rebirth into the Afterlife.

This hippopotamus strikes a dynamic posture that is both rare and charming. His mouth is open wide, and his head is turned back as if yawning having just woken from a deep sleep. As is the case with most faience hippopotami that have been found, this statuette was once deliberately broken. Its upper jaw, three feet, and underside have been restored in modern times. Still, the naturalistic modeling and drawn water flowers and plants that decorate it make it among the finest examples of its type known today.

Condition Report

Inspected under UV light and 10x loupe. Acetone tested. Areas of restoration including upper jaw, feet, and underside fluoresce under UV light. Some areas in question lift with acetone. Scattered chips notable along ears, lower jaw, and toes. Surface hairline cracks along neck that do not affect overall stability. Encrustations, scratches, and weathering throughout. Uneven surface patination. Overall in fine and attractive condition with finely drawn black designs preserved. See additional images. Height 5 3/4 inches (14.6 cm).

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Hindman.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.