Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A beautiful alabastron of a petite size, hand-carved from wheat-hued alabaster with natural bands ranging from pale-brown to deep espresso hues which illuminate when held under a bright light. The drop-form body has a round but stable base, a tapering shoulder which is studded with a pair of nubbin handles, a lightly corseted neck line, and an integral discoid rim. The interior cavity is drilled out and widens within the lower body. An attractive and lightweight example of fine Egyptian artistry! Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 1.375" W x 2.9" H (3.5 cm x 7.4 cm); 4" H (10.2 cm) on included custom stand.
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 illuminate when light passed 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: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Richard Wagner collection, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, acquired in the 1960s
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#143448
Condition
Area of rim repaired from three small pieces, with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Minor abrasions to body, handles, and rim, and darkening to top of rim. Light earthen deposits within interior cavity.