Late Period, 664-332 B.C.. Solid cast mummiform figure standing on an integral plinth; the god cloaked in a tight-fitting shroud, sporting the ostrich-plumed atef crown with uraeus, divine beard, and holding the characteristic crook and flail regalia; traces of gilding remain; mounted on a custom-made display stand. Cf. Roeder, G., Ägyptische Bronzefiguren II, Berlin, 1956, pl. 22e, for similar figurine. 811 grams total, 21 cm including stand (8 1/4 in.).

Osiris is a deity who represents death and fertility and is commonly regarded as the quintessential god of rebirth. Though he was once a mortal ruler, as a deceased entity, his domain was the Underworld. Abydos was the primary centre of Osiris’s cult, where a renowned yearly celebration of the god was held.

Private collection, 19th century, thence by descent. Private collection, Neuchâtel. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12195-222135. (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.)

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