Western Asiatic Alabaster Small Vessel

Small Western Asiatic alabaster container featuring a flat base, cylindrical body narrowing slightly towards the neck and a wide, flaring rim. A minor chipping to the rim. Alabaster was highly esteemed for making small vessels, perfume bottles or ointment vases called alabastra. As a soft and porous material it was easier to carve than marble. Such a bowl would have likely held precious liquids and oils, used to anoint the body. Measurements: circa 4cm height, 6. 5cm width Provenance: Ex private Japanese gentleman collection 1970-2010