An Egyptian Limestone Relief, 6th Dynasty, 2360-2195 B.C.

Carved in sunk relief with the figure of a man facing left and wearing a kilt with overfold tied below the navel, broad sash and collar, and layered wig of echeloned rectangular curls, his finely carved face with full outlined lips, large almond-shaped eye, and tapering eyebrows, the ear carefully worked.

Münzen und Medaillen AG, Basel, Ägyptische Kunst. Auktion 46, April 28th, 1972, no. 23, pl. 6
Mathias Komor, New York [F.609], March 17th, 1979

Repaired horizontally across middle, upper half itself repaired from several fragments, small amounts of restoration can be seen in some of breaklines, most breaklines are painted over, there is an approximately 3 x 3 inch area of restoration on the left edge of the relief encompassing the upper right arm and part of the shoulder, the nose possibly restored but not the profile of the nose, otherwise 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.

The present relief probably comes from the right side of a false door from the necropolis at Saqqara. The tomb owner's position in the upper echelons of society is signaled by the sash he wears over the shoulders, which identifies him as a Cheriheb- or lector priest. For related examples see the false door from the tomb of Iteti at Saqqara and representations of the Vizier Mereruka (K. Lange and M. Hirmer, Ägypten. Architektur, Plastik, Malerei in 3. Jahrtausenden, Munich, 1967, pp. 73 and 75). Also see the example in low relief from the 6th Dynasty tomb of Ipy (Egyptian Art in the Age of the Pyramids, New York, 1999, fig. 69), possibly from the same workshop.