An Egyptian Bronze Figure of a Cat, 21st/26th Dynasty, 1075-525 B.C.

seated with the tail curling in front of the forepaws, and wearing a cowrie shell neck-cord in low relief with an amulet on the chest and lion-head amulet with pendants between the shoulder blades, the finely modeled face with engraved whiskers and ear markings and eyes recessed for inlay, engraved rings on the tail.

William and Lily Diehl Collection, New York, acquired in the mid-to-late 1940s
Walter H. (1920-1981) and Martha W. Diehl
by descent to the present owner

The proper right side of the cat has suffered considerable damage. There is a large dent in the shoulder area and there are significant amounts of restoration on the right side of the upper proper right shoulder, neck, and back of the neck, extending up to the top back of the head. There is a chip with bronze disease adjacent to the lion-head amulet between the shoulder blades. There is significant restoration on the proper right side of the face, under the chin, and the proper right ear is restored, although the back of it may be ancient.. There is a chip with bronze disease to the left of the proper right eye. There is a restored area to the left of the pendant on the chest with a spot of bronze disease. The proper right leg is bent and has a repaired and restored area below the knee. The tenon under the proper right foot is missing. The end of the tail is chipped. Other small areas of bronze disease. Areas of the surface appear to have been lacquered at some stage. The surface in general is quite worn. The restored areas seem to have been rather amateurishly done a considerable length of time ago, and are now in poor condition themselves. Except for the wear to the surface the proper left side of the cat shown in the photo is in generally good condition, although there does seem to be some work done to the haunch area. Ideally the cat should be properly conserved and perhaps re-restored.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.