Ancient Egypt, Late Period, ca. 712 to 300 BCE. A perfect example of an alabastron, made from banded alabaster ranging from a creamy beige to a buttery pale yellow, that glows when held under light. The body tapers to a rounded base, studded with two paddle-like handles that give it an almost anthropomorphic form. 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: 1.25" W x 3" H (3.2 cm x 7.6 cm)

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, it was frequently buried with its owner.

Provenance: private Littleton, Colorado USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#131621

Two small, ancient chips from rim. Very light encrustation.