Egyptian Blue Amulet of Bes. Third Intermediate Period, circa 1069-735 B.C. Modelled in the round, Bes standing nude with a lion's tail, wearing a feathered headdress. Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, British Museum, 1994, pp.39-40, fig.37. 4.13 grams, 44 mm (1 3/4 in.).

Archéologie; François de Ricqlès, Paris, 30 September-1 October 1996, no.322 (part). Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above sale. Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport, dated 30 September 1996. Accompanied by a copy of the François de Ricqlès invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12630-235074. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

From the New Kingdom onwards, Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities. Despite his somewhat fearsome appearance, Bes served as the patron and protector of pregnant women and children, and was also believed to shield them from snakes.

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