Canopic jar lid of the 18th dynasty from museum collection
€6,500
available
Object number
AR3551A
| Object: |
Egyptian lid of a canopic jar in the shape of a human head
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| Material: |
Alabaster.
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| Period: |
18. dynasty, c. 1550 BC to 1292 BC. New Kingdom of ancient Egypt. |
| Description: |
A large lid from a canopic jar. The upper part is shaped like a human head with a wig. The facial features are sculpted and highlighted by faintly visible black paint. The lower part of the lid is designed as a stopper that once tightly closed the canopic jar. The lid is impressive due to its massive size, as well as its high-quality craftsmanship. |
| Background: |
In ancient Egyptian mythology, the god Horus had four sons with Isis - Imsety, Duamutef, Hapi and Qebehsenuef. They are best known as the protectors of the organs taken from the mummy. Every lover of Egyptian art knows the so-called canopic jars. These are sets of four vessels whose lids are decorated with the heads of the Horus children. The lid offered here had certainly a protective function. Together with its siblings it protected and accompanied the deceased.
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| Dimensions: |
13cm high, 14cm deep, 13cm wide.
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| Condition: |
Perfectly preserved. Minimal chips and negligible abrasion, otherwise the canopic lid has fully retained its original appearance. Modern black inscription "1888.97" on the underside.
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| Provenance: |
Acquired by us in 2024 from the US art market. Previously in the US private collection of Donald Wonder. Purchased from him at Sotheby's New York in the "Antiquities and Islamic Art" auction on 14 December 1994, lot 9. Consigned by the US Cincinnati Art Museum to raise funds for new acquisitions. Added to the museum collection in 1888 as accession number 1888.97. Donald H. Wonder (1938-2023) was a musician by profession and an equally passionate collector of Egyptian artefacts and Greek pottery. He soon became a fixture in the New York art scene and amassed a remarkable and diverse collection. Following his death, the pieces are now being offered for sale again, inspiring a new generation of artists and academics. |
| References: |
Similar Science Museum London, Objektnr. A635039 und A634862.
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| Literature: |
A. Dodson, The Canopic Equipment of the Kings of Egypt (1994).
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| Authenticity: |
We unconditionally guarantee the authenticity of every artefact, all items are subject to our lifetime return policy on authenticity.
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