Bactria (or Bactriana) was the name of a historical region in central Asia. Several important trade routes from India and China passed through Bactria from the Bronze Age onwards, which allowed for the accumulation of vast wealth by the predominantly nomadic population.
Marble was a favourable material used through out the ancient world, the stone was produced from limestone that had be compressed and exposed to heat over time. Marble is easy to carve due to its softness and therefore was used to creature sculptures and vessels such as this example.
