ELABORATELY DECORATED BACTRIAN STONE INCENSE SHOVEL

C. 3000-2000 BC. Bactrian. A robust dark stone incense shovel, with barrel-shaped, bulging handle and a deep, spade-shaped pan. The object is covered with extensive carved decoration, including incised floral motifs on the upper side of the pan and an abstract geographical relief on the underside; several bands of incised decoration cover the handle. This shovel would probably have been used for ritual purposes, care for the embers and incense that were burnt in ritual ceremonies. Excellent condition. Provenance: From the private collection of Mr. R. Unger; previously with a London gallery; acquired in the 1990s on the UK art market. Size: L:250mm / W:120mm ; 1.6kg