Central Asia, Bactrian, ca. 2500 to 2250 BCE. A cylindrical vessel carved from grey-green schist and incised with several concentric horizontal rings as well as two bands of petite concentric circles. The vessel is defined by a flat base, smooth walls, segmented bands encircling the top and bottom rims, and a deep basin. The basin boasts a pair of intersecting panels which divide the interior into four evenly-sized spaces. Polished stone vessels are common grave goods from this time period, and they often were left in the tomb with a food offering. The size of this vessel and its receptacles suggests it was used to hold small trinkets, miniscule amounts of food, or perhaps different types of cosmetics. These vessels' impressive aesthetic qualities as well as the fact that archaeologists have typically found them in temple, grave, and palace sites suggests they must have been regarded as precious objects themselves. Size: 3.45" W x 1.8" H (8.8 cm x 4.6 cm).

Provenance: private California, USA collection, acquired over fifteen years ago

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#137577

Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, very minor nicks to base, upper and lower rim, and interior panels, with some fading to incised decorations, otherwise intact and very good. Nice earthen deposits throughout.