Antique, Turned egg-form porphyry vase

Antique
Turned egg-form porphyry vase

c. 1900
red porphyry
6.125 h x 3.5 dia in (16 x 9 cm)

Since the ancient times, porphyry has been historically treasured as a luxury item for its distinct purplish red color and the rarity. The quarrying and transporting of porphyry required skillful handling due to the stone's hardness, and the Roman Empire was able to further increase its value by monopolizing the industry in the Egyptian desert.

This work will ship from Chicago, Illinois.
Condition Report: Excellent condition. Very slight rubs to body.