**First Time At Auction**

Ancient Egypt, Old Kingdom Period, 3rd to 6th Dynasty, ca. 2686 to 2181 BCE. A beautiful free-standing alabastron, hand-carved from banded alabaster of a creamy yellow-white color with natural veining coursing through the composition in dark caramel and coffee hues. The vessel's piriform body stands upon a petite conical foot with a raised ring just above, and the rounded shoulder leads inward to a squat neck and a discoid rim. The shape of this alabastron is one of elegance - a very elongated, rounded vessel that looks almost like it was poured rather than carved. The darker bands within the stone illuminate when the vessel is held to a light. Size: 1.875" W x 5.2" H (4.8 cm x 13.2 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: ex-private T.S. collection, San Diego County, California, USA, acquired between 25 and 40 years ago

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#140594

Small losses to rim, ring above base, and foot, with minor nicks to body, foot, and rim, and light encrustations. Nice earthen deposits throughout.