Ancient Egypt, Third Intermediate Period, 21st to 25th Dynasty, ca. 1070 to 664 BCE. An incredibly rare example of a sizable situla exhibiting a broad form, hand-carved from honey-yellow alabaster with subtle inclusions of light grey and dark beige. The conical situla exhibits a rounded base, a tall body with a thick rim, a deep, drilled-out basin, and a pair of discoid ears with central perforations bearing two bronze terminal caps from an original bronze handle or suspension mechanism. Situlae in ancient Egypt were typically formed from either bronze or hardwood and featured raised decorative motifs of animals or specific deities. The rarity of this vessel stems from its prodigious size as well as the artisan sculpting it from stone rather than choosing an easier material or a less time-consuming method. Lucite display stand for photography purposes only. Size: 6.375" W x 11.4" H (16.2 cm x 29 cm)
Published: Eisenberg, Jerome. "Art of the Ancient World, Vol. XXV - 2014." Royal-Athena Galleries, New York, 2014, p. 86, fig. 194.
Provenance: ex-Royal-Athena Galleries, New York, USA, acquired in the 2000s, reference #BPPE14; ex-Terence Eva collection, London, England, UK, formed between 1970 and 1980
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#153156
Condition
One half of vessel professionally repaired from multiple large pieces, with nearly invisible resurfacing along break lines that is unobtrusive to the overall presentation. Abrasions and nicks to base, body, ears, and bronze remains, and light encrustations to vessel and bronze components. Light earthen deposits, smooth surface textures, and root marks throughout. Nice patina to bronze remains within ears.