Ancient Greece, Cyprus, Cypro-Archaic II to Cypro-Classical I, ca. 6th to 5th century BCE. A beautiful vessel known as an alabastron, of an elongated teardrop form, hand-carved from imported Egyptian alabaster, with a rounded base, a tapering cylindrical body and a circular, in-curved rim. A pair of petite knobs can be found near the top, likely intended to serve as handles. Note the natural striations of cream, honey, misty rose, and cool grey that meander across the ancient vessel, nicely complementing its elegant form. Vessels like this were commissioned by aristocratic Greek women to use as a storage container for scented oils or perfumes during bathing. A gorgeous example demonstrating the effect of trans-Mediterranean trade in the ancient world! Size: 2.375" in diameter x 7.75" H (6 cm x 19.7 cm)

Provenance: private Corpus Christi, Texas, USA estate collection, acquired 1960s to 1970s

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#165293

Collection label on side. Chips and abrasions to exterior and rim with some areas of loss. Expected nicks, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with lovely earthen deposits.