005
Egyptian sarcophagus mask, Ex Maurice Nahman
1/38
Description
ITEM: Sarcophagus mask depicting a youthful face with idealised features, a bag wig hairstyle and precisely carved lips
MATERIAL: Granodiorite
CULTURE: Egyptian
PERIOD: Late period, 664 - 332 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 160 mm x 120 mm (without stand), 222 mm (with stand)
CONDITION: Good condition. Includes professional stand, Interpol search certificate (10900-180444) by Association of International Antiquities Dealers, Geological report with report number TL05402 by Ronald L. Bonewitz, French Export license (num. 227349), Spanish Import license (num I/1734/2024), Spanish Export license (2025-020234) and Technical Report by Dr. Alberto Maria Pollastrini.
PROVENANCE: From the private collection of a medical professional, previously in a French collection, acquired in 2012 for a New York, USA gallery; formerly in the collection of Nahman, since 1950, thence by descent. Maurice Nahman was one of Cairo's leading antique dealers, known for supplying major institutions such as the Louvre, the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Comes with Interpol search certificate (10900-180444) by Association of International Antiquities Dealers, Geological report with report number TL05402 by Ronald L. Bonewitz, French Export license (num. 227349), Spanish Import license (num I/1734/2024), Spanish Export license (2025-020234) and Technical Report by Dr. Alberto Maria Pollastrini.
Due to the fragility and size of this piece, it can only be shipped within the European Union, United Kingdom and neighbouring countries that can be transported by road by private courier (door to door) and costs 350 euros, 100 euros for Spain.
Sarcophagus masks made of granodiorite were an important feature of elite burials in ancient Egypt, particularly during the New Kingdom and later periods. These masks, carved from the dense, speckled stone, were designed to cover the head and upper part of the sarcophagus, representing the idealized features of the deceased. The use of granodiorite, a durable and prestigious material, signified the high status of the individual, often a member of the royal family or a high-ranking official. The hardness of granodiorite made it challenging to work with, but skilled artisans were able to achieve smooth surfaces and finely detailed facial features, emphasizing the Egyptian ideal of eternal beauty.
The iconography of these masks followed traditional conventions, portraying the deceased with a serene expression, almond-shaped eyes, and a faint smile, symbolizing their transition into the afterlife. Some examples were adorned with a nemes headdress or a wig, reinforcing their connection to divine and royal imagery. The choice of granodiorite also carried religious significance, as it was associated with endurance and permanence, aligning with the Egyptian belief in the eternal preservation of the soul. These masks were often placed within large, inscribed sarcophagi, which were themselves set inside multiple nested coffins, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the deceased's journey through the underworld.
Many granodiorite sarcophagus masks have been discovered in major burial sites such as the Valley of the Kings and Saqqara, offering valuable insights into Egyptian funerary art and religious beliefs. Some of the most remarkable examples can be found in museum collections today, including the British Museum and the Louvre. These artifacts continue to fascinate scholars and visitors alike, showcasing the mastery of ancient Egyptian stone carving and the civilization’s enduring preoccupation with the afterlife.
Nahman, the last prominent owner before its recent history, was a celebrated antiquities dealer and personal friend of Howard Carter, discoverer of Tutankhamun's tomb. His gallery was known to be a reference point for collectors and archaeologists. The photos included in the lot show Nahman in his gallery, Nahman with Howard Carter, and the entry in Carter's diary mentioning Nahman's £80 purchase of several pieces, dated three weeks before the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb.
Nahman sold pieces that today form part of the holdings of major museums such as the Louvre, the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum, underlining the quality and authenticity of the works he handled.
MATERIAL: Granodiorite
CULTURE: Egyptian
PERIOD: Late period, 664 - 332 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 160 mm x 120 mm (without stand), 222 mm (with stand)
CONDITION: Good condition. Includes professional stand, Interpol search certificate (10900-180444) by Association of International Antiquities Dealers, Geological report with report number TL05402 by Ronald L. Bonewitz, French Export license (num. 227349), Spanish Import license (num I/1734/2024), Spanish Export license (2025-020234) and Technical Report by Dr. Alberto Maria Pollastrini.
PROVENANCE: From the private collection of a medical professional, previously in a French collection, acquired in 2012 for a New York, USA gallery; formerly in the collection of Nahman, since 1950, thence by descent. Maurice Nahman was one of Cairo's leading antique dealers, known for supplying major institutions such as the Louvre, the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Comes with Interpol search certificate (10900-180444) by Association of International Antiquities Dealers, Geological report with report number TL05402 by Ronald L. Bonewitz, French Export license (num. 227349), Spanish Import license (num I/1734/2024), Spanish Export license (2025-020234) and Technical Report by Dr. Alberto Maria Pollastrini.
Due to the fragility and size of this piece, it can only be shipped within the European Union, United Kingdom and neighbouring countries that can be transported by road by private courier (door to door) and costs 350 euros, 100 euros for Spain.
Sarcophagus masks made of granodiorite were an important feature of elite burials in ancient Egypt, particularly during the New Kingdom and later periods. These masks, carved from the dense, speckled stone, were designed to cover the head and upper part of the sarcophagus, representing the idealized features of the deceased. The use of granodiorite, a durable and prestigious material, signified the high status of the individual, often a member of the royal family or a high-ranking official. The hardness of granodiorite made it challenging to work with, but skilled artisans were able to achieve smooth surfaces and finely detailed facial features, emphasizing the Egyptian ideal of eternal beauty.
The iconography of these masks followed traditional conventions, portraying the deceased with a serene expression, almond-shaped eyes, and a faint smile, symbolizing their transition into the afterlife. Some examples were adorned with a nemes headdress or a wig, reinforcing their connection to divine and royal imagery. The choice of granodiorite also carried religious significance, as it was associated with endurance and permanence, aligning with the Egyptian belief in the eternal preservation of the soul. These masks were often placed within large, inscribed sarcophagi, which were themselves set inside multiple nested coffins, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the deceased's journey through the underworld.
Many granodiorite sarcophagus masks have been discovered in major burial sites such as the Valley of the Kings and Saqqara, offering valuable insights into Egyptian funerary art and religious beliefs. Some of the most remarkable examples can be found in museum collections today, including the British Museum and the Louvre. These artifacts continue to fascinate scholars and visitors alike, showcasing the mastery of ancient Egyptian stone carving and the civilization’s enduring preoccupation with the afterlife.
Nahman, the last prominent owner before its recent history, was a celebrated antiquities dealer and personal friend of Howard Carter, discoverer of Tutankhamun's tomb. His gallery was known to be a reference point for collectors and archaeologists. The photos included in the lot show Nahman in his gallery, Nahman with Howard Carter, and the entry in Carter's diary mentioning Nahman's £80 purchase of several pieces, dated three weeks before the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb.
Nahman sold pieces that today form part of the holdings of major museums such as the Louvre, the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum, underlining the quality and authenticity of the works he handled.
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ITEM: Sarcophagus mask depicting a youthful face with idealised features, a bag wig hairstyle and precisely carved lips
MATERIAL: Granodiorite
CULTURE: Egyptian
PERIOD: Late period, 664 - 332 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 160 mm x 120 mm (without stand), 222 mm (with stand)
CONDITION: Good condition. Includes professional stand, Interpol search certificate (10900-180444) by Association of International Antiquities Dealers, Geological report with report number TL05402 by Ronald L. Bonewitz, French Export license (num. 227349), Spanish Import license (num I/1734/2024), Spanish Export license (2025-020234) and Technical Report by Dr. Alberto Maria Pollastrini.
PROVENANCE: From the private collection of a medical professional, previously in a French collection, acquired in 2012 for a New York, USA gallery; formerly in the collection of Nahman, since 1950, thence by descent. Maurice Nahman was one of Cairo's leading antique dealers, known for supplying major institutions such as the Louvre, the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Comes with Interpol search certificate (10900-180444) by Association of International Antiquities Dealers, Geological report with report number TL05402 by Ronald L. Bonewitz, French Export license (num. 227349), Spanish Import license (num I/1734/2024), Spanish Export license (2025-020234) and Technical Report by Dr. Alberto Maria Pollastrini.
Due to the fragility and size of this piece, it can only be shipped within the European Union, United Kingdom and neighbouring countries that can be transported by road by private courier (door to door) and costs 350 euros, 100 euros for Spain.
Sarcophagus masks made of granodiorite were an important feature of elite burials in ancient Egypt, particularly during the New Kingdom and later periods. These masks, carved from the dense, speckled stone, were designed to cover the head and upper part of the sarcophagus, representing the idealized features of the deceased. The use of granodiorite, a durable and prestigious material, signified the high status of the individual, often a member of the royal family or a high-ranking official. The hardness of granodiorite made it challenging to work with, but skilled artisans were able to achieve smooth surfaces and finely detailed facial features, emphasizing the Egyptian ideal of eternal beauty.
The iconography of these masks followed traditional conventions, portraying the deceased with a serene expression, almond-shaped eyes, and a faint smile, symbolizing their transition into the afterlife. Some examples were adorned with a nemes headdress or a wig, reinforcing their connection to divine and royal imagery. The choice of granodiorite also carried religious significance, as it was associated with endurance and permanence, aligning with the Egyptian belief in the eternal preservation of the soul. These masks were often placed within large, inscribed sarcophagi, which were themselves set inside multiple nested coffins, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the deceased's journey through the underworld.
Many granodiorite sarcophagus masks have been discovered in major burial sites such as the Valley of the Kings and Saqqara, offering valuable insights into Egyptian funerary art and religious beliefs. Some of the most remarkable examples can be found in museum collections today, including the British Museum and the Louvre. These artifacts continue to fascinate scholars and visitors alike, showcasing the mastery of ancient Egyptian stone carving and the civilization’s enduring preoccupation with the afterlife.
Nahman, the last prominent owner before its recent history, was a celebrated antiquities dealer and personal friend of Howard Carter, discoverer of Tutankhamun's tomb. His gallery was known to be a reference point for collectors and archaeologists. The photos included in the lot show Nahman in his gallery, Nahman with Howard Carter, and the entry in Carter's diary mentioning Nahman's £80 purchase of several pieces, dated three weeks before the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb.
Nahman sold pieces that today form part of the holdings of major museums such as the Louvre, the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum, underlining the quality and authenticity of the works he handled.
MATERIAL: Granodiorite
CULTURE: Egyptian
PERIOD: Late period, 664 - 332 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 160 mm x 120 mm (without stand), 222 mm (with stand)
CONDITION: Good condition. Includes professional stand, Interpol search certificate (10900-180444) by Association of International Antiquities Dealers, Geological report with report number TL05402 by Ronald L. Bonewitz, French Export license (num. 227349), Spanish Import license (num I/1734/2024), Spanish Export license (2025-020234) and Technical Report by Dr. Alberto Maria Pollastrini.
PROVENANCE: From the private collection of a medical professional, previously in a French collection, acquired in 2012 for a New York, USA gallery; formerly in the collection of Nahman, since 1950, thence by descent. Maurice Nahman was one of Cairo's leading antique dealers, known for supplying major institutions such as the Louvre, the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Comes with Interpol search certificate (10900-180444) by Association of International Antiquities Dealers, Geological report with report number TL05402 by Ronald L. Bonewitz, French Export license (num. 227349), Spanish Import license (num I/1734/2024), Spanish Export license (2025-020234) and Technical Report by Dr. Alberto Maria Pollastrini.
Due to the fragility and size of this piece, it can only be shipped within the European Union, United Kingdom and neighbouring countries that can be transported by road by private courier (door to door) and costs 350 euros, 100 euros for Spain.
Sarcophagus masks made of granodiorite were an important feature of elite burials in ancient Egypt, particularly during the New Kingdom and later periods. These masks, carved from the dense, speckled stone, were designed to cover the head and upper part of the sarcophagus, representing the idealized features of the deceased. The use of granodiorite, a durable and prestigious material, signified the high status of the individual, often a member of the royal family or a high-ranking official. The hardness of granodiorite made it challenging to work with, but skilled artisans were able to achieve smooth surfaces and finely detailed facial features, emphasizing the Egyptian ideal of eternal beauty.
The iconography of these masks followed traditional conventions, portraying the deceased with a serene expression, almond-shaped eyes, and a faint smile, symbolizing their transition into the afterlife. Some examples were adorned with a nemes headdress or a wig, reinforcing their connection to divine and royal imagery. The choice of granodiorite also carried religious significance, as it was associated with endurance and permanence, aligning with the Egyptian belief in the eternal preservation of the soul. These masks were often placed within large, inscribed sarcophagi, which were themselves set inside multiple nested coffins, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the deceased's journey through the underworld.
Many granodiorite sarcophagus masks have been discovered in major burial sites such as the Valley of the Kings and Saqqara, offering valuable insights into Egyptian funerary art and religious beliefs. Some of the most remarkable examples can be found in museum collections today, including the British Museum and the Louvre. These artifacts continue to fascinate scholars and visitors alike, showcasing the mastery of ancient Egyptian stone carving and the civilization’s enduring preoccupation with the afterlife.
Nahman, the last prominent owner before its recent history, was a celebrated antiquities dealer and personal friend of Howard Carter, discoverer of Tutankhamun's tomb. His gallery was known to be a reference point for collectors and archaeologists. The photos included in the lot show Nahman in his gallery, Nahman with Howard Carter, and the entry in Carter's diary mentioning Nahman's £80 purchase of several pieces, dated three weeks before the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb.
Nahman sold pieces that today form part of the holdings of major museums such as the Louvre, the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum, underlining the quality and authenticity of the works he handled.
Auction 6 of Ancient Art
Sale Date(s)
Venue Address
Apartado de Correos 521
El Campello
Alicante
03560
Spain
3. EXPORT LICENSES: All pieces have the corresponding export license to be shipped out of Spain.
3.1 For bidders from the European Union, it is not necessary to apply for any additional export license, as the one included in the piece is valid.
3.2 For bidders outside the European Union it will be necessary to apply again for an export license for your country, this usually takes from 4 weeks to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price. This cost will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.
8. The shipment, in general, take place within the three days following the receipt of payment, except in cases of agreement between both parties, in which case the client will be informed of the exact date and the means of dispatch. In the case where the country of destination is not Europe, the dispatching of the piece will take place in the same conditions stated, but counting from the receipt of the corresponding export permission issued by the Spanish authorities.
8.1. If you win more than one item, we can do a combined shipment and you will not be charged extra for it, unless one of the pieces won makes shipping more expensive.
8.2. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. For shipments outside Europe, customs and duties may apply upon entry in to customer country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer’s responsibility. We will not falsify customs value on international shipments! If you have questions about this, please inquire before bidding.
8.3. As a guideline, for a small parcel, our courier and insured shipping rates are: 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 39,95 € for America and Asia. If its a medium parcel, 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 69,95 € for America and Asia. In case it is large, heavy or for a value of more than 1000 euros may be increased slightly from the rates shown.
8.4 For pieces that are very fragile or very large in size/weight and that can only be shipped within the European Union, United Kingdom and neighbouring countries that can be transported by road will be shipped by private courier (door to door) and the price will be 350 euros, 100 euros for Spain.
Important Information
Ancient Art at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Affordable in-house shipping.
Terms & Conditions
1. All ancient items offered for sale have been acquired strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO’s heritage norms, and guaranteed to be as described.
2. Our cataloguings, descriptions and certificates has been carried in accordance with their professional experience, previous investigation and checking against similar pieces catalogued in public collections, private collections or to be found in the art market.
3. EXPORT LICENSES: All pieces have the corresponding export license to be shipped out of Spain.
3.1 For bidders from the European Union, it is not necessary to apply for any additional export license, as the one included in the piece is valid.
3.2 For bidders outside the European Union it will be necessary to apply again for an export license for your country, this usually takes from 4 weeks to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price. This cost will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.
4. The bidder guarantees payment for the item(s). In case of discrepancy, the lot or lots may be offered for sale again.
5. All lots will sell to the highest bidder without hidden or confidential reserves. Prices marked as estimates (both minimum and maximum) are for reference only. The hammer price may be higher or lower depending on the demand.
6. PAYMENT POLICY: To provide a seamless bidder checkout, all winning lots will be invoiced through the system the bidder has chosen for the live auction, unless bidder chooses to pay Your Antiquarian directly via credit card (MasterCard or Visa), PayPal or Bank Wire Transfer. If bidder chooses to pay Your Antiquarian directly, bidder must contact us to arrange payment. Payments not made within 15 days of auction’s end will forfeit bidder’s right to purchase said item(s), with item(s) relisted to next appropriate auction.
6.1 If the customer wishes to pay through our website, we will generate a payment link and the customer can choose the payment method that is most suitable, payment by Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa or American Express), Bank Transfer or PayPal. Payment with PayPal is subject to an increase of 3% of the invoice.
7. BUYER’S PREMIUM: A 8% Buyer’s Premium will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.
8. The shipment, in general, take place within the three days following the receipt of payment, except in cases of agreement between both parties, in which case the client will be informed of the exact date and the means of dispatch. In the case where the country of destination is not Europe, the dispatching of the piece will take place in the same conditions stated, but counting from the receipt of the corresponding export permission issued by the Spanish authorities.
8.1. If you win more than one item, we can do a combined shipment and you will not be charged extra for it, unless one of the pieces won makes shipping more expensive.
8.2. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. For shipments outside Europe, customs and duties may apply upon entry in to customer country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer’s responsibility. We will not falsify customs value on international shipments! If you have questions about this, please inquire before bidding.
8.3. As a guideline, for a small parcel, our courier and insured shipping rates are: 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 39,95 € for America and Asia. If its a medium parcel, 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 69,95 € for America and Asia. In case it is large, heavy or for a value of more than 1000 euros may be increased slightly from the rates shown.
8.4 For pieces that are very fragile or very large in size/weight and that can only be shipped within the European Union, United Kingdom and neighbouring countries that can be transported by road will be shipped by private courier (door to door) and the price will be 350 euros, 100 euros for Spain.
9. RETURN POLICY: We have a no quibble 90 days return policy. We accept returns for any reason within 90 days of you receiving your item. The item(s) must returned in the same conditions in which the received (no damage or deterioration). The expenses that could derive from the return (transport, insurance, etc) will be at the expense of the buyer.
10. On the prevention of money laundering or terrorist financing, according with directive (EU) 2015/849 and 2018/843, all clients will be asked to provide proof of identification (valid passport, driving license, ID card and a proof of address) when purchasing or selling art works valued 10.000 € or more in a single or linked transaction. If you represent a company you will need to provide details of directors, evidence of incorporation and the ultimate beneficial owners.
11. QUESTIONS: For any questions, before / during and after the auction, feel free to email us: admin@yourantiquarian.com or a Whatsapp to the number +34 644811359. We will be happy to help you in any way we can.
Last update: September 28th, 2024
