1 - A RARE ALABASTER HEADREST WITH FLUTED COLUMNAR SUPPORT, OLD KINGDOM, 5TH–6TH DYNASTY, CIRCA 2494–2181 BC

A RARE ALABASTER HEADREST WITH FLUTED COLUMNAR SUPPORT, OLD KINGDOM, 5TH–6TH DYNASTY, CIRCA 2494–2181 BC Egypt. Finely carved and assembled from three separately worked elements, the broad rectangular base supporting an elegant fluted columnar shaft, subtly tapering and flaring toward either end. Above, a square collar supports the deeply curved crescent-shaped headpiece, its upturned terminals smoothly rounded and carefully balanced to cradle the head. The restrained architectural construction, combining the broad horizontal base and sweeping upper support with the rhythmically fluted central shaft, lends the headrest a remarkably harmonious and almost sculptural appearance. The finely polished, semi-translucent Egyptian alabaster is of a warm creamy-beige tone with subtle lighter veining. (3) Provenance: Probably with Mathias Komor, New York, USA, according to a provenance statement signed by James G. Hanes III. Collection of James G. Hanes Jr., North Carolina, USA, 1960s-1970s, probably acquired from the above, and thence by descent to his son James G. Hanes III, 1995-2015. Brunk Auctions, Asheville, North Carolina, USA,18 March 2016, lot 383, sold for USD 28,000 or approx. EUR 34,000 (converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). A noted private collector, acquired from the above, and thence by descent. A copy of the provenance statement signed by James G. Hames III, dated 8 March 2016, confirming the provenance above, accompanies the lot. James G. Hanes Jr. formed his collection primarily during the 1960s and 1970s following the public offering of his company. Hanes acquired extensively from the New York dealer Mathias Komor. According to the family, the present objects were most likely acquired during this period, although the original purchase receipts were not retained. His collecting activities had largely ceased by 1980, and the present object was in his possession at his home in North Carolina by 1984, the year of Komor’s death. Mathias Komor (1909-1984) was a New York based art dealer and collector who was active from 1930 until his death in 1984. His collection documents objects that passed through the Komor Gallery including pieces from Classical, Egyptian, African, Meso-America, and Chinese antiques and art amongst many others. Much of this material is now in public and private collections in the United States. The Komor archive is comprised of photographs of objects and some miscellaneous archival and ephemeral material. Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, few tiny chips to the edge of the pillow, little nibbling, and few natural fissures. Weight: 2.1 kg Dimensions: Height 20.7 cm Headrests mimicked the sun (the head) rising in the horizon (the headrest’s pillow). Therefore, waking up would have been seen as rebirth for the sleeper, like the sun’s morning appearance was for the world. Many headrests show wear and have impressions from, or actual scraps of attached linen, indicating they were padded for comfort. Although pillows existed, a headrest was cooler and elevated the sleeper’s face away from the insects and scorpions that prowled in the night. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related alabaster headrest found in a wealthy official’s tomb, dated Old Kingdom, ca. 2323-2150 BC, 19.1 cm tall, in the Metropolitan Museum, object number 26.2.11. Auction result comparison: Type: Near identical Auction: Christie’s London, 15 April 2015, lot 29 Price: GBP 25,000 or approx. EUR 42,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An Egyptian alabaster headrest, Old Kingdom, 5th-6th dynasty, circa 2494-2181 B.C. Expert remark: Compare the near identical form, color of the stone, and size (19.7 cm).