**Originally Listed At $500**

Ancient Egypt, Late Period, ca. 712 to 300 BCE. A perfect example of a tall alabastron, made from banded alabaster ranging from a creamy beige to a buttery pale yellow, that glows when held under light. The body bulges outward and then tapers to a flat base. A round, disc-like guard delineates the neck. Above this is a round cylinder that forms the mouth, with an unpronounced rim. The shape is elegant, a very elongated, rounded vessel that looks almost like it was poured rather than carved. Size: 1.55" W x 6.15" H (3.9 cm x 15.6 cm); 7.15" H (18.2 cm) on included custom stand.

The Egyptians were master carvers, and used the abundant stone deposits in the Nile Valley and the Eastern Sahara throughout their history to fashion sculptures, vessels, and monumental buildings. The perfect symmetry of this example demonstrates their skill. The piece was drilled into, then special tools were used to expand the drilled-upon areas, allowing the walls of the vessel to be thin enough that light could pass through the stone. The alabastron was a very personal item, used for bathing and holding perfume. As a result, they were frequently buried with their owners.

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection, acquired before 2000

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#130833

Intact, with light encrustation on surface, including one tiny area that looks like iron patina. Very light surface pitting and wear.