An Egyptian Calcite Offering Table, 6th Dynasty, 2360-2195 B.C.

of circular form, finely carved in shallow relief with a loaf of bread resting on a mat and flanked by circular vessels, a circular plate for the offering of bread with rectangular vessel on either side below, the mat incised with an inscription translating, "The king gives an offering, which is given to Anubis on his mountain for him who is honoured by the god Ptah-Sokar, the priest of Maat and chief of the court(-hall), Senni."

Kunsthaus Lempertz, Cologne, November 21st, 1967, no. 496, pl. 3
German private collection, Hamburg, acquired at the above sale
by descent to the present owner

"Kunst der Antike. Schätze aus norddeutschem Privatbesitz," Museum für Kunst u. Gewerbe, Hamburg, January 21st-March 6th, 1977

Hartwig Altenmüller, in Wilhelm Hornbostel, ed., Kunst der Antike. Schätze aus norddeutschem Privatbesitz, exh. cat., Mainz, 1977, no. 5, pp. 7-9, illus.

Edge chipped at 6 o'clock as shown. Chips and abrasion along entire edge. One small oval stress crack on back near edge, as well as a shallow chip. Three areas of light abrasion on hieroglyphics. Scattered areas of incrustation and discolouration. Surface polish well preserved. It is unclear whether the inscription is original to the table or was added in modern times in order to enhance its value.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cf. H. Junker, Der Friedhof südlich der Cheopspyramide. Westteil (Giza X), 1951, p. 145, fig. 53, S. Hassan, Excavations at Giza VII: 1935-1936, 1953, pl. 29, and J. Vandier, Manuel d'archéologie égyptienne, vol. II, 1954, p. 528.