Late Period, XXVI Dynasty, Ca. 664-525 BC
A hollow cast and finely proportioned bronze cat. The animal is depicted naturalistically, seated with its forepaws together and its tail curving forward around the proper right side. The erect ears bear incised tufts on the interior and are pierced with gold earrings. The large convex eyes have contoured lids and defined irises. The item is accompanied by a historical report from Simone Musso, consultant curator for the Egyptian antiquities at the Stibbert Museum, Florence, Italy; member of the Nuri Archaeological Expedition. For similar see: Christie’s, Live Auction 3748, Antiquities, Lot. 14.

Provenance: Private UK collection, M.H., acquired in early 2000s; previously in a UK London collection formed in the 1960s.