Description:

Central Asia, Bactria (Bactria Margiana/BMAC), ca. 3rd to 2nd millennium BCE. A tall, thin, cylindrical vessel, hand-carved from an incredible banded alabaster. The rim is translucent in places, revealing the different shades of brown, from creamy and pale to almost reddish, that are in this beautiful stone. Perhaps made to hold a liquid offering. Size: 2" W x 4.2" H (5.1 cm x 10.7 cm)

Polished stone vessels are common grave goods from this time period, and they often seem to have been left in the tomb containing a food offering. For example, an elite tomb excavated from the ancient city of Sam'al in southeastern Turkey contained a stele depicting the tomb's inhabitant seated at a table laden with food, symbolizing the riches he would have in the afterlife. In front of the stele, archaeologists found several polished stone vessels and the remains of food and drink.

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000

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#126248

  • Condition: Small chips around the rim and base.

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August 31, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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