Bronze Cigar Humidor In The Shape Of A Canopic Jar - 19th Century

Bronze cigar humidor in the form of a canopic jar - 19th century.

This bronze cigar humidor, with a brown patina, is ovoid in shape, reminiscent of a canopic jar, and opens in two horizontal sections. It rests on a circular black marble base.

The body features bas-relief decoration arranged in registers. The central section is encircled by a continuous frieze of profile figures, employing formal codes derived from Egyptian iconography: hieratic silhouettes, elements of adornment, and ritual attributes.

These figures are associated with stylized hieroglyphic motifs, rendered in an ornamental manner. The upper section is shaped like a stylized bust surmounted by a head of Horus. On either side, two lateral bronze compartments complete the composition and contribute to its function as a cigar humidor.

This type of production reflects the Egyptomania that developed in 19th-century Europe, particularly following Napoleon's campaigns in Egypt and the dissemination of scientific and archaeological publications. It demonstrates the integration of forms and motifs inspired by ancient Egypt into the decorative arts of this period.

Height: 27 cm
Width: 16 cm