Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.. Standing on a rectangular base with flared modius type headdress; modelled in the round with tail to the reverse; re-patinated. Cf. Droste zu Hülshoff, V.v., Hofmann, E., Schlick-Nolte, B., Seidlmayer, S., Statuetten, Gefässe und Geräte. Liebieghaus – Museum Alter Plastik: Ägyptische Bildwerke, Band II, Melsungen, 1991, pp.311-12 cat. no.193, for a Bes with similar modius; Tinius, I., Altägypten in Braunschweig. Die Sammlungen des Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museums und des Städtischen Museums, Wiesbaden, 2011, pp.133-34, no.226, for similar. 21 grams, 37 mm (1 3/8 in.).

From the New Kingdom onwards, Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities. Despite his rather fearful appearance, Bes was the patron and protector of pregnant women and children and was also believed to protect them from harmful creatures like snakes.

UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. [No Reserve]