Description
A remarkably interesting glazed ceramic ushabti, as it presents a good comparison and study piece representing 1) what happens to even the minor arts when old traditions are broken or allowed to decline due to war or economic conditions worsen. 2) Old, time-tested techniques are lost or easily circumvented for the sake of expedience, due to cost or the lack of proper materials.
In the case of the present ushabti, the upper half has marked fritting which is the result of the improper ceramic material selection, admixtures, and firing. However, the lower part has a well surviving inscription in black ink and the reverse side retains the usual painted basket netting.
A good collector’s and scholar’s object, good size at 6 ½ inches tall.
