the broad face of deep section with wide oval eyes and relaxed mouth, slender ear flanges with pierced lobes, the U-shaped concave back with rimmed perimeter; pierced at four corners for suspension; two inventory numbers written on the reverse "37-9271" and "PM.S817".

William Spratling
Pierre Matisse, acquired from the above in 1938 (PM S817)
Mary E. Johnston, acquired from the above in 1947

Mary E. Johnston (1890-1967), a Proctor and Gamble heiress and prominent member of the Cincinnati community, donated her collection of Impressionist and Modern art (including works by Picasso, Chagall, Modigliani, Bonnard, Van Gogh among other masters) to the Cincinnati Art Museum. Much of the fine art in her collection was acquired from the Pierre Matisse Gallery as was this mask. The mask became part of the collection of Mary's sister, Margaret, who was married to Charles W. Sawyer (former US Secretary of Commerce, 1948-1953). The mask remained in the Sawyer family collection, passing to their son John W. Sawyer (1925-2015) who with his wife, Ruth Dennis Sawyer (1932-2013), acquired the Kroger Farm Estate, Cincinnati in 1971 (an 100 acre♕ property originally developed by Bernard Kroger in 1928-29). The mask was sold with the house and remaining belongings in 1984 to the current owner of the residence, and subsequently passed within the family where it has remained since 1984.

Classic surface alternation of the tecali stone, and surface dirt overall, the mask itself is basically fine and intact. Small chip to upper and lower lid of PL eye , minor chips on reverse and tip of nose.
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.

The abundance and general uniformity of stone masks from Teotihuacan attest to their importance as one of the defining artistic expressions of the largest city of ancient Mexico in the 6th c.  Attached to large perishable effigies, masks served as portable elements that could be transported to various locations and ceremonies. The mask would animate the effigy through their idealized beauty and serenity. The recent study of Teotihuacan masks by stone type (Walsh and Rose 2014) showed that the style of mask varied according to the type of stone used, perhaps selected for specific effigies or rituals. Travertine (Mexican onyx) examples have varying degrees of translucency and color from white to lime green, valued qualities used to customize and enhance an effigy. See Berrin and Pasztory (1993: cat. nos. 30-33 and cat. no. 28), for tecali masks.