A Black Basalt Obelisk Fragment, 18th/22nd Dynasty, 1540-716 B.C.

the four sides each carved in sunk relief with a serekh containing the Horus name "The strong bull, beloved of Maat," followed on two of the sides by "King of Upper and Lower Egypt," and on the two other sides by the nebty name, two of the sides retaining at the bottom the border of a royal cartouche, one with the upper edge of the sun-disk remaining.

acquired in Japan in 1974

broken differently on all four sides, note minor chips and abrasions and damage to one corner of obelisk as shown
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

On the Horus and nebty names see A. Gardiner, Egyptian Grammar, 2nd ed., Oxford and London, 1950, pp. 72-72. Based on the titulature and the fragmentary sun-disk in the cartouche, the obelisk to which this fragment belongs could only have been inscribed for one of the following kings: Tuthmosis I (18th dyn.), Ramesses II (19th dyn.), Tawosere (19th dyn.), Osorkon II (22nd Dyn.), and Sheshonq III (22nd dyn.). For related obelisks of Ramesses I with single column of inscription see E. Dondelinger, Der Obelisk. Ein Steinmal ägyptischer Weltanschauung, Graz, 1977, pl. 15, and E. Iversen, Obelisks in Exile, vol. 1: The Obelisks of Rome, Copnehagen, 1968, figs. 80, 81, and 148.