Romano Egyptian Portrait Pottery Jar of Bes

Egypt, probably Alexandria, Romano-Egyptian Period, ca. 30 BCE to 2nd century CE. A fine brownware pottery molded juglet depicting the head of Bes, a dwarf protector deity, with a small strap handle to one side of his head. Fine facial details include ovoid eyes, a squat nose, slightly protruded lips, and a pair of circular ears accented by an elaborate beard which is often interpreted as a lion’s mane. The vessel features a stout neck and a thick lip. The deity Bes watched over the members of a household, particularly the women and children, and protected them with the magical sign "sa." Size: 4" W x 4.6" H (10.2 cm x 11.7 cm)

Alexandria was an important port town in Roman-controlled Egypt, and through it came Roman culture and ideas into the ancient kingdom. Part of this ideological movement included items, like this figure, produced by the healthy ceramic industry that sprang up in the city which produced domestic and funerary ware, votive statues, toys, and other items. Egypt of course had its own tradition of pottery items prior to the arrival of the Greco-Romans, but the Romans brought new forms of material culture that seem to have become quickly fashionable.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Robert Hobart collection, acquired from David Hendin at Amphora Auctions

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#163871
Condition Report: Light earthen deposits scattered throughout. Rim a minor chip along its periphery. Otherwise in excellent condition and fully intact.