A rare Egyptian Alabaster Shabti for Pharaoh Ramesses VII, New Kingdom, 20th Dynasty, ca. 1136–1129 BCE

Carved from fine alabaster, this rare royal shabti depicts Pharaoh Ramesses VII in mummiform pose with arms crossed over the chest. The face is modeled with care, enhanced by painted details including black-lined eyes, a delicate nose, and red lips beneath a long tripartite wig. Traces of the original pigment in red, green, and black are preserved across the surface, particularly highlighting the facial features and the vertical inscription.

Down the front of the figure are two painted cartouches enclosed within a vertical register. The first reads Usermaatre Setepenre, the prenomen of Ramesses VII, while the second gives his nomen, Ramesses. These cartouches firmly identify the shabti as belonging to the short-reigned son of Ramesses VI, one of the last pharaohs of Egypt’s New Kingdom.

Royal shabtis of alabaster are particularly scarce, with most known examples executed in faience. This piece thus represents a highly unusual and desirable survival from the late Ramesside period. Mounted on a vintage wooden base for display.

Medium: Alabaster

Dimensions: Height: 6 3/4 inches (17 cm), Width: 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm)

Condition: The shabti is intact overall, with no evidence of breaks or repairs. The surface retains much of its original painted decoration in red, green, and black pigments, particularly visible on the facial features, tripartite wig, and column of hieroglyphs on the front of the mummiform body. Some pigment loss and fading are present, consistent with age, notably on the back and high points of the figure. The surface shows light abrasions, minor encrustations, and small scattered chips, including to the edges of the base where the figure meets the modern wooden stand. Overall, the piece is in good and stable condition, with decoration well preserved for an example of its type and period.

Provenance: Thilo and lzora Steinschulte private collection, VA, acquired in 1970 from the trade (probably Susette Khayat), no 4431, then by descent. Accompanied by a copy of the original collector's paperwork.