Egyptian, Late Period, 6th – 5th century B.C.

Alabaster

H: 6.4 cm – D: 3.5 cm

Serial: 30641

Vessels made of alabaster were very popular in the ancient Near East, Egypt, Greece and Rome. This  alabastron served to contain and to transport precious perfumed oils. Because of its modest size it was probably designed for the personal cosmetic use rather than for temple or funerary rituals.

As a shape, the vessel has an elongated, drop-like body and a narrow neck; the base is rounded. There are two small tenons acting as miniature handles. The popularity of alabastra and similar form vessels in antiquity is due to their functionality: the shape provided an easy grip. The stopper would have been made of a perishable material (cork, fabric, wax).

Although small, the vessel with its content was a luxury product. There is no doubt that the visual appearance of the stone itself was appreciated. Alabaster (calcite) has natural veining of white opaque and translucent light yellow or even amber color. One can admire how the ancient stone maker used this quality of the stone. The horizontal lines are particularly attractive. The opaque ones outline the shoulder. When the piece is turned, the surface reveals the changing design of multiple waves.

The surface is polished and perfectly smooth. The carving commenced with the sculpted and polished exterior, before piercing the interior with the help of a drill, a stick would forked at one end to hold an abrasive stone. To assure even and centered drilling with the most stability, the rotation was achieved by alternating the drill, from one direction to the other. These different steps were accomplished by placing the vase in a hole in the ground or on a worktable. The final polishing involved rubbing the surface with a hard stone, sand or emery.

PROVENANCE

Christie's London, July 10, 1991 (lot 34)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

ASTON B. G., Ancient Egyptian Stone Vessels, Materials and Form, Heidelberg, 1994.