Lot 7
Egypt, Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, ca. 664 to 30 BCE. A haunting pair of copper eye and eyebrow fittings once set into the visage of an Egyptian funerary mask, preserved with their ancient inlays intact. Each eye is composed of a sharply contoured copper surround, shaped to follow the almond outline of the Egyptian ideal. The sclera is formed from white stone, now earth-encrusted yet luminous beneath, while the pupils remain powerfully marked in black pigment, still centered with mesmerizing intensity. Above each eye arches a heavy copper brow, carefully shaped and once affixed above the mask's eye sockets to convey eternal vigilance. Rich green and turquoise patination on the copper evokes both the passage of time and the enduring symbolism of rebirth associated with Osiris and the afterlife. Size of largest (right eye): 3.4" W x 1.3" H (8.6 cm x 3.3 cm)
These fittings were designed to animate the features of a funerary mask or coffin, granting the deceased symbolic sight into the next world. In Egyptian belief, to see was to exist - and these inlaid eyes served as portals through which the soul might perceive eternity. Their craftsmanship reflects the technical fluency of Late Period and Ptolemaic artisans, whose metalwork combined expressive power with sacred purpose.
Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection, acquired 2015; ex-Palmyra Heritage Gallery, New York, USA; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York City, New York, USA, and imported into the USA prior to 1948, thence by descent
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#195618
- Condition: Heavy weathering to surface of copper and some age-wear to stone, but, otherwise, eyes and eyebrows are intact and excellent with beautiful blue and green patina to copper.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping
Artemis Fine Arts
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 + | $500 |