Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: The Museum Year 2012
The Acquisitions
Art of the Ancient World: July 2011–June 2012
Knife handle in the form of a grasshopper
760–332 B.C.
Length: 82.55 mm (3 1/4 in.)
Granodiorite
Classification: Tools & equipment
Culture: Egyptian
Country of Origin, for Customs: Egypt
Period: Probably Late Period
Accession number: 2011.2005
Description: Knife handle in the form of a grasshopper with bulbous eyes and folded legs, knees protruding above its back. The body is elongated to form the handle grip, terminating in a deeply cut groove to hold the blade (now missing).
Provenance/Ownership History: 1950s: said to have been acquired by Dr. J.H.H. Claessen, Bladel, The Netherlands. October 27, 2009: anonymous sale, Christie’s, London, lot 100; October 6, 2011: anonymous sale, Christie’s, London lot 39, sold to Brian Brille, Hong Kong; given by Brian Brille to the MFA. (Accession Date: December 21, 2011)
Gift of Brian J. Brille in honor of Rita E. Freed