New Kingdom, ca. 1550-1070 BC. A stone vessel stands resolute upon a raised base, its form an embodiment of subtlety and elegance. With a body that gracefully tapers towards its mouth, culminating in a slightly everted rim, this vessel exudes an aura of timeless refinement. The very essence of its design is a testament to the convergence of artistry and functionality, a hallmark of Egyptian craftsmanship. The purpose this vessel might have served, nestled within the tapestry of ancient Egyptian life, is a narrative woven with intrigue. It is conceivable that such vessels found purpose as receptacles for precious offerings in sacred rituals, their chiselled grace elevating the very act of presentation. Alternatively, they may have been employed for libations, transforming the mundane into the sacred, as liquids were poured forth to honor deities and ancestors. The vessel's form, with its gradual tapering, would have facilitated controlled pouring, enabling such rituals to be performed with precision and reverence. Size: L:110mm / W:80mm ; 495g Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.