Ancient Egyptian Alabaster Ritual Bowl

£ 425.00

This Ancient Egyptian translucent alabaster wide bowl was probably meant to contain precious liquids and oils. The bowl consists of a flat base and gently curved walls, ending in a wide opening. It’s translucent finish, featuring delicate shades of cream and brown, makes it an elegant testimony of Ancient Egypt’s fine alabaster craftsmanship. Some earthly encrustations and green patination remain on the surface.

Date: Circa 2900-2350 BC
Period: Early Dynastic Period
Condition: Very good condition. Minimal beautiful green patination on the surface.

SOLD

SKU: CS-27 Category: Tags: ,

Alabaster has been used for centuries by several cultures, and so was by the Egyptians, who used this elegant stone to carve especially vessels of different dimensions, from the small kohl cosmetic containers, to larger bowls for specific precious liquids. Alabaster is naturally white, but if treated with heat it takes the appearance of marble, with a translucent finish crossed by veins of different colours. Among Egyptians in particular, brownish or yellow onyx were the most researched shades for such stone. In the Middle East, where alabaster is usually called “oriental alabaster”, Hatnub quarries seemed to be the main source. Finally, due to its porous consistency it was easier to carve than proper marble could be.

Weight 577.9 g
Dimensions W 13.3 x H 8.1 cm
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Reference: For a similar item, The Metropolitan Museum, item 12.181.80

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