Christie's Auction House Offers Statue of Egyptian Priest for Sale

Christie's International Auction House in London is set to auction off a number of Egyptian artifacts, including a red quartzite head of a priest dating back to the late Ptolemaic era, estimated to be priced between 30,000 and 50,000 pounds sterling. Additionally, a pair of Egyptian sandals from the New Kingdom era with a unique design are expected to fetch between 6,000 and 8,000 pounds sterling.

Egyptian sandals from this era are known for their distinct features, such as diagonally braided soles and three rows of coils sewn along the edge. Many of these sandals have been preserved due to the arid conditions of Egypt, with a significant number found in the workers' village of Deir el-Medina, west of Thebes.

According to the auction house, one of the highlights of the auction will be a coffin made of multi-colored and gilded Egyptian wood, dating back to the late Ptolemaic era, which is expected to fetch between 400,000 and 600,000 pounds sterling. This coffin, belonging to Djedhur, son of Nakht-Khonsu, is adorned with intricate decorations and vibrant colors, including a gold-painted face and a well-crafted wig and beard.