Gorgeous Egyptian Banded Alabastron

Ancient Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A stunning alabastron, meticulously hand-carved from alabaster and presenting elegant ribbons of white banding flowing through the otherwise golden peach hues of the alabaster. The vessel displays a slightly rounded base, an elongated inverted piriform body which tapers gently to a narrow cylindrical neck leading to a broad flat rim that gently curves downward at the peripheries. The upper end of the body presents a pair of equidistantly placed nubbin handles. In addition to its classic form and the stone's inherently breathtaking hues and banded pattern, the vessel glows with marvelous translucency when held to the light! An alabastron like this would have held precious scented oils or cosmetics for women to use after bathing as indicated by scenes painted on ancient vases. The narrow mouth prevented evaporation of the coveted liquids within, and the wide rim was designed to catch every drop. Size: 1.875" in diameter x 4.25" H (4.8 cm x 10.8 cm)

Provenance: ex-Dr. Sid Port collection, California, USA, acquired in the 1980s

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#147797
Condition Report: Minute nicks to rim and nubbin handles and a few minor surface abrasions (otherwise the surface is exceedingly smooth). Scattered deposits. Collection label on the exterior wall