An Egyptian Faience Shabti for Semset, 30th Dynasty, ca. 343 - 300 BCE

Mummiform, fine quality, faience with light blue glaze (mostly stained to brown or green). Details in relief, with a striated tripartite wig, long plaited divine beard, facial details in quality relief, hands crossed over the chest carrying a pick and hoe, seed sack on a cord suspended over the left shoulder, with a dorsal pillar and trapezoidal base, a single column of vertical incised hieroglyphic text on the front that reads: "The illuminated, the Osiris, Semset, born to Renpet- neferet, justified” 

References/Parallels:           

Aubert, J., Aubert, L., Statuettes funeraires egyptiennes du department des Monnaies, Medalles et Antiques ( France, 2005) pp. 142 - 143 no. 61, Inv. Nr. 822

Decker, S. Uschebti – agyptische Dienerfiguren einer deutschen Privatsammlung, (Kempen, 2005) pp. 124 – 125.

Dimensions: Height: 12 cm (4.7 inches)

Condition:   Staining, chip at proper right of feet, otherwise in fine condition and with very good detailing; particularly attractive variegated blue and green glaze.

Provenance:  Dr. Peter Gray private collection, Liphook, Hampshire, 1950s, thereafter Macalpine private collection, London, 1974-1980.   Art Loss Certificate No: S00048958.