Central Asia, Bactria, ca. 2500 to 2250 BCE. One of my favorites! Skillfully carved from grey-green schist, this is an ornately incised vessel in the form of a floral motif or possibly a bird claw, divided into three distinct basins. A small hole at the end of the central basin may have acted as a drain. A triangular projection forms a handle from the back of the piece. The sides are decorated with repeated floral motifs that have a fractal-like, interlocking form. Size: 7.75" L x 5.5" W x 1.55" H (19.7 cm x 14 cm x 3.9 cm)

Polished stone vessels are common grave goods from this time period. Based on ancient evidence, we believe that the Bactrian concept of feminine beauty involved cosmetically enhanced dark eyes; a dish like this probably held something used to create that effect. It may have once had an ivory lid. Given their impressive aesthetic qualities as well as the fact that archaeologists have typically found them in temple, grave, and palace sites, dishes like this one must have been regarded as precious objects themselves.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hirsch collection, Germany

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#141298

Surface wear commensurate with age. Small hole on the underside appears to be intentional, perhaps to allow something to drain from the basin. Deposits on surface with some tiny chips from the edges. Nice preservation of motifs.