★ RARE! ★

Egyptian sarcophagus mask, Ex Maurice Nahman

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.