Central Asia, Bactrian, ca. 2500 to 2250 BCE. Skillfully carved from grey-blue chlorite schist, this is an ornately incised vessel of a cylindrical form that rises to a very slightly flared, unpronounced rim. Its surface has been meticulously incised with a cross-hatched, diagonal pattern that looks like a densely woven mat, creating a fascinating textured surface that is pleasing to observe and hold. Polished stone vessels are common grave goods from this time period, and they often were left in the tomb with a food offering. Vessels with more elaborate decorative/iconographic programs like this example may have contained prized possessions or luxury products. Size: 4.55" W x 3" H (11.6 cm x 7.6 cm)

Provenance: private New York, USA collection

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#136290

Small chips, pits, and nicks from surface commensurate with age. Very light encrustation in lower profile areas. Adhesive marks on the underside of the base from an old collection sticker.