Beautiful / Near-Miniature Bactrian Banded Agate Jar

**Originally Listed At $350**

Ancient Central Asia, Bactrian, ca. 3rd to 2nd millennium BCE. A beautiful jar of a near-miniature size, hand-carved from a single piece of banded agate which presents in cream, vermilion, lime-green, citrine, and caramel hues. The squat vessel has a round but stable base, sloping shoulders, a petite rim, and a shallow interior cavity. Polished stone vessels are common grave goods from this time period. Based on ancient evidence, we believe that a small vessel like this probably held something of value for depositing in a tomb. Given their impressive aesthetic qualities as well as the fact that archaeologists have typically found them in temple, grave, and palace sites, dishes like this one must have been regarded as precious objects themselves. Size: 2.6" W x 1.6" H (6.6 cm x 4.1 cm).

Provenance: The Dere Family Collection, New York, USA, assembled 1970's-2000's; ex-Khan Family Collection, New Jersey, USA, acquired in 1980's

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#146565
Condition Report: Repaired from two or three large pieces, with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Minor nicks and abrasions to body, base, and rim, with light encrustations. Light earthen deposits throughout.