An Egyptian Alabaster Jar, 18th Dynasty, reign of Amenhotep III, 1390-1353 B.C.

with tapering ovoid body and fragmentary slightly flaring neck, the shoulder carved with a square panel containing the nomen and prenomen of Amenhotep III, and “Lord of the Sed Festival,” the inscription perhaps later.

Estate of Mr. and Mrs. Vilain, Brussels, acquired in the 1970s

A large part of the neck on the side not shown is missing and there is a chip on the side shown which is visible on the far right of the photograph. The surface is abraded and scratched in many ares and there are superficial hairline cracks visible around the neck. There is a long vertical crack in the stone on the side not shown which does not appear on the interior. The surface appears to have been waxed at some point. Some of the inscription is chipped.
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. A.P. Kozloff, B.M. Bryan, and L.W. Berman, Egypt’s Dazzling Sun. Amenhotep III and his World, Cleveland, 1992, p. 395, fig. XIII,2, for an alabaster vessel related in form and bearing the same inscription. For the form alone compare the 18th Dynasty alabaster amphorae in Paris and Leiden (Ägyptens Aufstieg zur Weltmacht, Mainz, 1987, pp. 198-199, nos. 116 and 117.)

Amenhotep III celebrated three Sed-Festivals, or Royal Jubilees, in the years 30, 34, and 37 of his reign.