Description:

Ancient Central Asia, Bactria, ca. 2nd millennium BCE. A tall and slender vase that is hand-carved from creamy honey-yellow alabaster that fluoresces when placed next to a bright light. The vessel features a gently tapering form atop a flat base, a rounded rim with an incised base, and a pair of lug handles with drilled perforations for suspensions. Alabaster, a light-colored, calcareous stone from the Iranian Plateau, has strong connections in ancient western and central Asia 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, 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. A vase like this one was made to be placed into a tomb to hold offerings. Size: 4.3" W x 7.75" H (10.9 cm x 19.7 cm)

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#175744

  • Condition: Minor nicks and abrasions commensurate with age, with some deep chips to body, and light earthen deposits, otherwise intact and excellent. Great form and translucency. Previous inventory label beneath base.

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June 1, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
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