Ancient Egypt, Late Period, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A beautiful alabaster vessel, larger than many of similar style, with an ovoid body that slopes inwards to its everted rim. The alabaster is banded, ranging from a creamy white to a golden ochre color, translucent when held to the light. The interior is fully drilled out, forming a large interior space. The Egyptians were master carvers, and used the abundant stone deposits in the Nile Valley and the Eastern Sahara 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. Size: 5.25" W x 5.65" H (13.3 cm x 14.4 cm)

Sold at Bonhams in 2013 for GBP 1500 (USD 2011): https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20667/lot/135/

Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection; ex-Bonhams London, Knightsbridge Antiquities Auction (May 8, 2013, lot 135); ex-Joseph Klein collection, New York, New York, USA, formed between 1941 and 1980, thence by descent

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#132802

Repaired from two large pieces with one small repair near the rim. Light encrustation in the lower profile areas.