Pharaonic Wood Box with Shabti/Ushabti. Hand Painted. Luxor. Egypt.
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Original pieces from ancient Egypt are almost impossible to acquire at a reasonable price. And there are the issues of importing, exporting, authentication and language.
With that said, here is an item that is old but not necessarily ancient.
Pharaonic figures painted on a small pharaonic “Box of Secrets” Wood Box. A stone shabti (ushabti) is included. These boxes were used in ancient times to house not only ushabti(s) but also prized jewelry and belongings of wealthy Egyptians.
Shabti were small human figures who represented a person who would perform certain tasks in the afterlife of the deceased.
The term “Pharaonic” has three meanings: wood garnered from ancient tombs, wood having to do with pharaohs, or an Egyptian wood. It is probably not the former, but this box is really cool and can be used to house your “jewels of the Nile” or your own Ushabtis.
Acquired from an antique shop in Luxor. Not a tourist piece. Probably from the 1930s or earlier.
Great desk, shelf or dresser piece! Stands not included.