Predynastic Egyptian Naqada III Andesite Porphyry Jar
Ancient Egypt, late Predynastic to Early Dynastic Period, late Naqada III to 2nd Dynasty, ca. 3100 to 2686 BCE. An incredible example of a squat but sturdy vessel that is hand-carved from andesite porphyry boasting both light and dark green hues as well as glinting mica inclusions. The round-bottomed jar features an apple-shaped body, a rounded shoulder with a trio of integral suspension loops drilled equidistantly around the circumference, and a squat rim with a wide, funnel-shaped mouth. The exterior surfaces save for a small area on the base are highly polished to a lustrous sheen that evokes an elegant and refined presentation. Size: 4.625" W x 3.125" H (11.7 cm x 7.9 cm)
In addition to its striking presentation, this jar represents a technological leap forward for the ancient Egyptians. In the early Pre-Dynastic, artisans hollowed out hard stone vessels using hand-held stone borers and abrasive desert sand. Then, during the Naqada II period (ca. 3600 to 3200 BCE), the invention of copper tubes enabled artisans to drill very hard stones (in conjunction with sand as an abrasive) and create more intricate forms or integral details like the lugged handles on this example. However, copper drills only allowed artisans to drill cylindrical items, and so the hollowing out of bulbous vessels like this one still required use of an elongated stone borer in the form of a figure-of-eight.
A stylistically similar example, of a larger size, hammered for $62,500 at Christie's, New York "Antiquities" auction (sale 2007, June 4, 2008, lot 38).
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#154307
Condition Report: Minute chips to rim, with light abrasions to one area of base, otherwise intact and excellent. Wonderful iridescent mica flecks and nice veining to stone. All polished save small area on the bottom.
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Ancient Egypt, late Predynastic to Early Dynastic Period, late Naqada III to 2nd Dynasty, ca. 3100 to 2686 BCE. An incredible example of a squat but sturdy vessel that is hand-carved from andesite porphyry boasting both light and dark green hues as well as glinting mica inclusions. The round-bottomed jar features an apple-shaped body, a rounded shoulder with a trio of integral suspension loops drilled equidistantly around the circumference, and a squat rim with a wide, funnel-shaped mouth. The exterior surfaces save for a small area on the base are highly polished to a lustrous sheen that evokes an elegant and refined presentation. Size: 4.625" W x 3.125" H (11.7 cm x 7.9 cm)
In addition to its striking presentation, this jar represents a technological leap forward for the ancient Egyptians. In the early Pre-Dynastic, artisans hollowed out hard stone vessels using hand-held stone borers and abrasive desert sand. Then, during the Naqada II period (ca. 3600 to 3200 BCE), the invention of copper tubes enabled artisans to drill very hard stones (in conjunction with sand as an abrasive) and create more intricate forms or integral details like the lugged handles on this example. However, copper drills only allowed artisans to drill cylindrical items, and so the hollowing out of bulbous vessels like this one still required use of an elongated stone borer in the form of a figure-of-eight.
A stylistically similar example, of a larger size, hammered for $62,500 at Christie's, New York "Antiquities" auction (sale 2007, June 4, 2008, lot 38).
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#154307
Condition Report: Minute chips to rim, with light abrasions to one area of base, otherwise intact and excellent. Wonderful iridescent mica flecks and nice veining to stone. All polished save small area on the bottom.
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Time, Location
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