An Egyptian Polychrome and Gilt Cartonnage Mummy Mask, late Ptolemaic Period, circa 100-30 B.C.

wearing a broad collar composed of eight rows of floral and foliate beads, and blue-green tripartite wig with headband centering a sun-disk and winged scarab in front, the eye-rims and eyebrows, long cosmetic lines, and tapering eyebrows painted in the same pigment as the wig, the irises painted black, two identical inscriptions in mirror image on either side of the sun-disk each translating, "Words to be said by Osiris who presides over the West."

Sir W.M. Flinders Petrie (1853-1942), found by him at Hawara in the late 19th/early 20th century
Augustus H. Lane Fox Pitt-Rivers (1827-1900), Farnham, acquired from the above
Alexander Lane Fox Pitt-Rivers, Farnham, by descent
George H. Lane Fox Pitt-Rivers, Farnham, by descent
Stella Pitt-Rivers, Farnham, acquired from the above (Sotheby's, London, July 14th, 1975, no. 122, illus.)

Large areas of retouching to the paint on the lower part of the wig and on the contoured outlines of the face and ears. The back of the top of the head was crushed and re-shaped. Several areas have been reinforced at the back. Some areas of retouching elsewhere but the face, diadem, and winged scarab appear to be in very good condition. The 1975 Sotheby's catalogue photo (available on request) shows the mask as it appears before it was re-restored after the sale.
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.

Cf. G. Grimm, Die Römischen Mumienmasken aus Ägypten, Wiesbaden, 1974, pl. 2, 1 and 2.