Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A marvelous stone flask or ampulla hand-sculpted to present a flattened, discoid body and a petite tubular spout flanked by twin loop handles. The creamy natural hues of the stone enhance the vessel's elegance, boasting a lifht hue of almond with caramel, honey, and ash gray inclusions. These vessels are known as "New Year's Flasks" because the new year is usually invoked in the inscriptions. According to R. Bianchi in Gifts of the Nile, Ancient Egyptian Faience, New York, 1998, p. 229, nos. 126-127, "the ancient Egyptian New Year started in late summer, when the Nile began its annual flood. The transition between the years was considered fraught with dangers that threatened the cosmic stability of the land and numerous rituals were developed in order to ensure a harmonious transition. It has been suggested that these vessels were designed to contain a liquid used in an unknown ritual connected with New Year celebrations." Size: 2.7" W x 3.4" H (6.9 cm x 8.6 cm); 4.5" H (11.4 cm) on included custom stand.

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

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#179495

Neck, handles, and spout are original to another ancient vessel and have been professionally repaired and restored with painting over break lines. Remains of original handles on top of shoulder, flanking neck. Minor chip to edge of body. Otherwise, very nice form with smooth surfaces.