Greece, late Hellenistic Period, ca. 2nd to 1st century BCE. A beautiful core-formed glass alabastron in opaque black and white hues presenting a characteristically long-body that gently broadens as the viewer follows it toward the base, and then resolves in a tapered pointed bottom. A pair of lug handles are applied to the sides and a light silvery pearlescence has formed in scattered areas across the glass. This alabastron is so named because many vessels that assumed this form were made of alabaster. An astounding work of glass art to be treasured for its impeccable form, beautiful patterning, and sophisticated technique! Size: 1.5" Diameter x 4.75" H (3.8 cm x 12.1 cm); 5.25" H (13.3 cm) on included custom stand.

According to the Beazley Archive of the University of Oxford, the alabastron shape's history extends back to Corinth, but was only preserved in Athenian pottery examples back to the mid-sixth century BCE. Alabastra were created in many materials, including alabaster, and the Greek term for this stone - alabastron (most likely of Egyptian origin) - was the source of inspiration for the name of this shaped vessel. Many examples were finished with a white ground, as if to imitate this stone, though colorful vessels like this example were created later during the rise of the Classical period. We know from vase painting imagery of women using alabastra following a bath, that these vessels most likely held perfumed oils.

For a nearly identical example please see the Metropolitan Museum of Art's website, accession number: 74.51.319.

Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#170783

Surface abrasions nicks and pitting to surfaces, otherwise intact. Mineral and earthen deposits and light iridescence.