Description:

Central Asia or Asia Minor, probably Bactrian, ca. 2nd millennium BCE. A delicate, partially translucent alabaster cup, of conical form, with a slightly curved base. The artist has taken advantage of the natural lines of the alabaster to highlight and accentuate a curved, marbled exterior with varied bands of creamy white and deep rose pink. Alabaster, a light-colored, calcareous stone from the Iranian Plateau, has strong connections in ancient central and western Asia to religion and specifically the gods. For example, at Kultepe-Kanes, a huge burial mound from this period, there were many disc-shaped alabaster idols, naked alabaster goddesses, and lion figures. We also know that alabaster was a precious material, widely traded in the region from the 4th millennium BCE onward. Size: 3.05" W x 2.3" H (7.7 cm x 5.8 cm)

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#142877

  • Condition: Tiny chips from edges; otherwise intact and in beautiful condition.

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February 6, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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