An Alabaster Cinerary Urn, Egypt, Roman Imperial, circa 1st Century A.D.

with piriform body, low pierced lug handles, separately-made concave neck with rounded everted rim, and domed lid.

Sir William Petty Fitzmaurice (1737-1805), 2nd Earl of Shelburne and later 1st Marquess of Lansdowne, Lansdowne House, acquired from the above in 1776
by descent to Henry Petty Fitzmaurice (1872-1936), 6th Marquess of Lansdowne (Christie, Manson & Woods, London, Catalogue of the Celebrated Collection of Ancient Marbles the Property of the Most Honourable The Marquess of Lansdowne, March 5th, 1930, no. 118)
Spink & Son, London, acquired from the above sale
Sotheby's, London, November 14th, 1960, no. 83
Jean-Claude Ciancimino, London, acquired from the above sale
acquired by the present owner from the above in 1960/1961

Base and lid restored, probably in 18th century. Body repaired from two large fragments and about six smaller ones, all reassembled on side of vessel shown in lower left corner of printed catalogue spread. Seperately carved neck repaired from multiple fragments with small areas of restoration along some of joints and attached to body with several layers of plaster. Lid repaired from three fragments. Chips along edges, some still restored in painted plaster. Knop and lid held together by metal attachement. Once mounted as a lamp; some fittings still extant. Fittings remaining held together with plaster.
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.

An old label formerly attached to the vase and now lost read "Mallon" or "Mellon."