Bactrian Banded Alabaster Jar

Ancient Central Asia, Bactria, ca. late 3rd to early 2nd millennium BCE. A lovely jar of a squat form, hand-carved from honey-yellow alabaster with natural cream and caramel-hued bands that illuminate when placed next to a light source. The jar is defined by a flat, narrow base, a wide body with a central carination, a corseted upper body, and an everted rim surrounding the shallow basin. The exterior surfaces still retain a lustrous polish that has a smooth texture that is pleasing to the touch. Size: 3.625" W x 2.3" H (9.2 cm x 5.8 cm)

Provenance: private A.G. collection, Chicago, Illinois, USA, purchased prior to 1980

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#150146
Condition Report: Minor nicks and abrasions to base, body, rim, and basin, with light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits throughout, and nicely polished exterior surfaces.