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Learn MoreAncient Egyptian Alabaster Vase
- Coveted across the ancient world, these vessels served as diplomatic gifts from Egypt to Rome
- Vessels of this type held wine for ceremonies appeasing the Eye of Re, the Egyptian solar deity
- This is the largest known example of its type, surpassing all recorded examples in museums
- Similar, though smaller, examples have brought substantive sums at auction
- Get complete item description here
$168,500
Item No.
32-2100
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Description
Ancient Egyptian Bullet-Form Alabaster Vase
Third Intermediate Period (945–715 BCE)
This monumental Egyptian alabaster vase is the largest known example of its type. It is a rare vessel-type perfected by Egyptian craftsmen during the Third Intermediate Period (945–715 BCE) and among the most coveted objects of the ancient world.
The vase's elongated, bullet-shaped form rises with commanding proportion, its surface luminous and translucent, swirling with warm honey and cream tones veined with white mineral. . .
Third Intermediate Period (945–715 BCE)
This monumental Egyptian alabaster vase is the largest known example of its type. It is a rare vessel-type perfected by Egyptian craftsmen during the Third Intermediate Period (945–715 BCE) and among the most coveted objects of the ancient world.
The vase's elongated, bullet-shaped form rises with commanding proportion, its surface luminous and translucent, swirling with warm honey and cream tones veined with white mineral. . .
Read More
Ancient Egyptian Bullet-Form Alabaster Vase
Third Intermediate Period (945–715 BCE)
This monumental Egyptian alabaster vase is the largest known example of its type. It is a rare vessel-type perfected by Egyptian craftsmen during the Third Intermediate Period (945–715 BCE) and among the most coveted objects of the ancient world.
The vase's elongated, bullet-shaped form rises with commanding proportion, its surface luminous and translucent, swirling with warm honey and cream tones veined with white mineral striations. The narrow mouth and tapering body exemplify the refined control of Egyptian craftsmen, who favored alabaster above other materials for its translucency and prestige—a clear signal that this vessel was created for someone, or a ceremony, of exceptional standing. Its near-perfect condition, after nearly 3,000 years, is nothing short of extraordinary.
According to Professor Olivier Perdu at the Collège de France, a leading specialist in Egypt's Third Intermediate Period, vessels of this type held wine for ceremonies appeasing the Eye of Re, the fearsome Egyptian solar god. Beyond Egypt's borders, they were coveted across the ancient world—Phoenician elites used them as funerary urns, Assyrian kings repurposed them for precious oil and Roman aristocrats incorporated them into burial rites. Even Publius Claudius Pulcher, born into one of Rome's most prominent republican families, was interred with one, though his example measured only 26 inches.
Standing over 32" high, it surpasses every recorded parallel, including the vase of Osorkon I from the royal necropolis at Tanis (23 1/2" high) and a celebrated example in the Louvre (6 1/2" high). The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds only a fragment. Intact examples of this scale are extraordinarily rare outside museum collections.
Circa 945–715 BCE
With base: 45 1/4" high x 14 1/2" wide x 14 1/2" deep
Third Intermediate Period (945–715 BCE)
This monumental Egyptian alabaster vase is the largest known example of its type. It is a rare vessel-type perfected by Egyptian craftsmen during the Third Intermediate Period (945–715 BCE) and among the most coveted objects of the ancient world.
The vase's elongated, bullet-shaped form rises with commanding proportion, its surface luminous and translucent, swirling with warm honey and cream tones veined with white mineral striations. The narrow mouth and tapering body exemplify the refined control of Egyptian craftsmen, who favored alabaster above other materials for its translucency and prestige—a clear signal that this vessel was created for someone, or a ceremony, of exceptional standing. Its near-perfect condition, after nearly 3,000 years, is nothing short of extraordinary.
According to Professor Olivier Perdu at the Collège de France, a leading specialist in Egypt's Third Intermediate Period, vessels of this type held wine for ceremonies appeasing the Eye of Re, the fearsome Egyptian solar god. Beyond Egypt's borders, they were coveted across the ancient world—Phoenician elites used them as funerary urns, Assyrian kings repurposed them for precious oil and Roman aristocrats incorporated them into burial rites. Even Publius Claudius Pulcher, born into one of Rome's most prominent republican families, was interred with one, though his example measured only 26 inches.
Standing over 32" high, it surpasses every recorded parallel, including the vase of Osorkon I from the royal necropolis at Tanis (23 1/2" high) and a celebrated example in the Louvre (6 1/2" high). The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds only a fragment. Intact examples of this scale are extraordinarily rare outside museum collections.
Circa 945–715 BCE
With base: 45 1/4" high x 14 1/2" wide x 14 1/2" deep
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Specifications
| Period: | Ancient |
| Type: | Vases/Vessels |
| Depth: | 14.5 in. (36.83 cm) |
| Width: | 14.5 in. (36.83 cm) |
| Height: | 33.5 in. (85.09 cm) |
Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn More
