Tall Egyptian Late Dynastic Alabaster Jar

Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A lovely, tall jar, hand-carved from soft honey-yellow alabaster with natural bands of stone veins coursing throughout the composition; the bands illuminate when held near a bright light. The vessel is defined by a flat base, gradually-expanding walls, a thick out-folded rim, and a deep interior cavity. The interior has been widened using a series of progressively finer bits as well as copious amounts of abrasive sand, and evidence of the original craftsmanship is still visible within. Size: 4.45" W x 8.95" H (11.3 cm x 22.7 cm)

The Egyptians were master carvers, and used the abundant stone deposits in the Nile Valley and the Eastern Sahara throughout their history to fashion sculptures, vessels, and monumental buildings. The perfect symmetry of this example demonstrates their skill. Alabaster vessels were often personal items, and were frequently buried with their owners.

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

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#152849 Dimensions: Condition Report: Intact, with a few small chips, nicks, and scratches commensurate with age. One vertical side has rich deposits on its surface as if the vessel laid on its side for a long period of time. This area is rougher than the rest of the finely sanded surface as a result of those deposits.