Greece, Archaic Period, ca. 6th century BCE. A stone alabastron, with a flared rim and narrow spout. The body is tapered and tear-drop-shaped. The natural lines of the alabaster creates bands of creamy white, beige, and earthier brown. Twin tiny handles project from the sides of the upper body. Held up to the light, the piece has slight translucence. Size: 1.95" W x 5.45" H (5 cm x 13.8 cm)

Alabastra are long-bodied vessels with flat disks for the mouth. The shape was common in Corinth, and came to Athens in the sixth century BCE - this is an early example of one of these. The term alabastron is Greek with Egyptian origins, and many of the oldest examples are painted white, perhaps in imitation of the stone. Alabastra were used to hold perfumed oil; in fact, scenes on painted vases show women using them to apply it after bathing.

Provenance: private New Jersey USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago

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#121527

The surface was once entirely polished, but much of that is worn away, leaving behind rougher stone.