Description:

Central Asia, Bactria (Bactria-Margiana/BMAC), ca. 3rd to 2nd millennium BCE. A lovely banded alabaster vessel, its body presenting myriad curved inclusions of white, beige, toffee, almond, and cocoa hues along the smooth walls of its tall cylindrical body which gently curve inward at the center and outward toward the base and elegantly flared rim. Alabaster, a light-colored, calcareous stone quarried from the Iranian Plateau, had strong connections in the ancient world to religion and specifically the gods. For example, in the site of Kultepe-Kanes, a huge burial mound, there were many disc-shaped alabaster idols, nude goddesses, and lion figures. We also know that alabaster was a precious material, widely traded in the region from the 4th millennium BCE onward. A vessel like this one was most likely made to be placed in a tomb to hold offerings. Size: 5.875" W x 9.25" H (14.9 cm x 23.5 cm)

Please note: this vessel is accompanied by a tag that states "Mesopotamian Tepe Gawra Level XI ca. 3300 BCE"

Provenance: ex-Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000

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#158627

  • Condition: Root marks or possible pressure fissures on the base and lower end of the vessel. Otherwise seems intact and superb.

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March 4, 2021 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000