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Ancient Egyptian Alabaster Vase
- This Egyptian alabaster vase dates to the Third Intermediate Period
- Vessels of this type were associated with wine offerings in ancient Egyptian rituals
- Natural cream and honey-colored bands accent its elegant tapered form
- Carved nearly three thousand years ago, it reflects Egypt’s mastery of stone craftsmanship
- Get complete item description here
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Third Intermediate Period, 945–715 BCE
Carved nearly three thousand years ago, this Egyptian alabaster vase unites the natural beauty of banded stone with the sculptural elegance of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship. Cream and honey-colored bands ripple across its elongated body, which tapers from rounded shoulders to a flared foot. A broad, flat rim crowns the short neck, balancing the vessel’s graceful proportions.
Highly prized in ancient Egypt, Egyptian alabaster is. . .
Third Intermediate Period, 945–715 BCE
Carved nearly three thousand years ago, this Egyptian alabaster vase unites the natural beauty of banded stone with the sculptural elegance of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship. Cream and honey-colored bands ripple across its elongated body, which tapers from rounded shoulders to a flared foot. A broad, flat rim crowns the short neck, balancing the vessel’s graceful proportions.
Highly prized in ancient Egypt, Egyptian alabaster is a form of banded calcite, distinct from the softer gypsum alabaster commonly used in later European decorative arts. Its warm coloring, translucency and richly varied mineral patterns made it especially desirable for fine vessels. Ancient craftsmen carved, drilled and polished the stone into containers for practical and ceremonial use, revealing its striking natural decoration.
According to Egyptologist Olivier Perdu of the Collège de France, vessels of this type held wine for ceremonies intended to appease the Eye of Re, the powerful feminine manifestation of the sun god. Egyptian alabaster vessels also traveled far beyond Egypt, becoming prestigious possessions throughout the ancient Mediterranean. Some were subsequently reused by Phoenician elites as funerary urns, reflecting the enduring value placed on these finely worked objects.
15 1/2" high x 5" diameter
| Period: | Ancient |
| Type: | Vases/Vessels |
| Depth: | 5.0 in. (12.7 cm) |
| Width: | 5.0 in. (12.7 cm) |
| Height: | 15.5 in. (39.37 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
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Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
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Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
