{"product_id":"ancient-egyptian-alabaster-vase-2","title":"Ancient Egyptian Alabaster Vase","description":"Ancient Egyptian Alabaster Vase\u003cbr\u003e Third Intermediate Period, 945–715 BCE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 15 1\/2\" high x 5\" diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46244107878535,"sku":"32-3205","price":58500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-3205_1.png?v=1792443685","url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/products\/ancient-egyptian-alabaster-vase-2","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}