Ancient Egypt, Old Kingdom, ca. 2686 to 2181 BCE. A fragment of a relief sculpture carved on a thick slab of pale sandstone, probably from Saqqara or Giza. The fragment shows three discernible hieroglyphs and two human heads, one from the side, the other facing forward, in an unusual portrayal for this time period. The hieroglyphs form two columns in sunken relief, reading, "the chief lector priest". Sadly the rest is unreadable. Size: 10" W x 11" H (25.4 cm x 27.9 cm); 13" H (33 cm) on included custom stand. Raised reliefs are some of the most famous artwork from ancient Egypt. They lined the walls of tombs, temples, and palaces, and have a specific visual style of two-dimensional, profile figures that persisted in Egypt for centuries. Artisans created them in several steps. First, they carved the scene in low relief. Next, they divided the drawing surface into a grid using string coated in red pigment dust. Archaeologists have found models divided into grids to help artists better understand proportions on these often-large works. The painting was then done a single color at a time. Egyptian pigments came from local minerals, and red came from iron oxides ground and mixed with a plant- or animal-based glue that would adhere to sandstone. Offered at Bonhams London, October 24, 2012, Lot 287, https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20021/lot/287/?category=list&length=10&page=29 Provenance: ex-private Los Angeles, California, USA collection; ex-Bonhams London, October 24, 2012, Lot 287 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. #138073