Egyptian Alabaster Mirror Handle

NEW KINGDOM, 18TH-20TH DYNASTY, 1550-1070 B.C.

5 3/4 in. (482 grams total, 14.5 cm including stand).

In the form of a papyrus column, the upper platform pierced through for insertion of a bronze mirror, incised with lotus petals at the top of the shaft and at the base; mounted on a custom-made display stand.

Provenance

with Nicholas Wright, London, UK, 1969.
Christie's, London, 14 April 2011, no.128.

Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12941-243535.

Literature

Cf. Petrie, W.M.F., Objects of Daily Use, Warminster, 1972, pl. XXVI, nos. 12 and 16, for similar papiriform examples.

Footnotes

The papyrus stalk was used in the hieroglyphic script for the word 'wadj', meaning 'fresh', making it an appropriate talisman for the preservation of the body.

CONDITION

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LOT 0024