Nabataean Perfume Flask

$365.02

A terracotta vessel featuring a long, cylindrical body, tapering into a deep- set mouth and overturned rim. An applied handles stretches from the mouth to the shoulders. A small spout extends from the top of the body. There is a small sprinkler opening within the mouth. Such vessels were used largely to pour expensive oils, perfumes and incense, hence the small opening and spout.

Date: Circa 1st-2nd century AD
Condition: Very fine. Some natural encrustation.

SOLD

SKU: AH-650 Category:

The Nabataean tribes first encroached upon Jordan and the surrounding area sometime in the 6th century BC. Thought of originally as a nomadic people they settled in the area, existing as an autonomous kingdom until the 2nd century AD, when they were finally defeated by the Romans. Nabataean pottery can roughly be grouped into two large categories; Fine ware and course ware. These two groups were then split into subcategories, including the fine ware bowls with painted decoration that exemplify the style. Fine ware Nabataean pottery, made exclusively in and around Petra, is categorised by its very thin walls (known as egg-shell pottery), its deep red colouring and painted floral patterns. Course ware remained thicker in its measurements and largely undecorated.

Weight 165.2 g
Dimensions W 6 x H 13.6 cm
Culture

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Pottery and Porcelain

Region

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