Central Asia or Near East, Mesopotamia, likely Sumerian, ca. 3000 to 1000 BCE. An unusual and rare cylindrical vessel carved from a pink calcite stone, the interior divided compartments, and pierced holes along the exterior and below the rim, perhaps for suspension or securing a lid. Note that the interior divider walls are lower than the exterior rim, which could create a flush fit for a lid. The chambers may have once contained different cosmetics - such compartmentalized vessels are scarce, and the pink hue of this stone makes this an even more rare and special example! Such a vessel was probably a prized possession of the original owner that may have also served as burial good. Size: 6" Diameter x 3.25" H (15.2 cm x 8.3 cm)

A similar type of cosmetic box with a pierced corners can be seen on the Penn Museum's website, object number: 30-12-697.

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

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#175732

Repaired from many pieces. Break lines visible throughout, and white infill to the fissures. Chips along rims and surface abrasions. Light mineral deposits.