Egyptian Schist Cosmetic Mortar

Rectangular frieze fragment with advancing figure in profile wearing a shendyt kilt holding up two poles in his raised hands; to his rear, part of a second figure with an openwork wooden frame (footstool) and other items; mounted in sturdy wooden frame with suspension rings to the reverse; surface has been extensively cleaned, restored, and repainted. 6.8 kg, 40.5 x 32.2 cm



Mounted in an early 20th-century wooden frame bearing a stamped inscription reading “Exposition Paris …” From the collection of L.V. (1950-1960), Paris, France. Collection of Monsieur X. (1931-2017), dispersed for the benefit of the Monaco Red Cross. Private collection, Europe. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.13224-249307.

The servant is carrying geese, like in many other representations of the New Kingdom. Many portrayals of ducks and geese in ancient Egyptian art show the importance of the birds as food. Servants plucking geese are visible in the tomb of Nakht, in Luxor (1567-1320 B.C.), and in the famous tomb of Nebamun, at the British Museum, a fresco fragment shows workers standing in front of a gaggle of geese.

Mummiform shabti wearing a tripartite wig, with arms crossed and holding a pick and hoe, seed bag suspended over the shoulder; horizontal band to the waist and vertical column to the legs, each with an impressed hieroglyphic inscription. 80 grams, 13.5 cm



Private collection, USA and Switzerland, acquired in the early 1980s; thence by descent.

Including a crouching baboon, a baboon standing in an adoring pose, two Pataikos, a hare, and other types. 22.97 grams total, 17-41 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.