"Archeoologia 1st Millennium Bc, Superb Veined Alabaster Pedestal Cup"
ArcheologyExceptional veined or marbled alabaster large cup on pedestal
1st millennium BC (Bronze Age)
Edomite Egypt (circa 8th -7th BC) or Bactrian Achaemenid period (-540 BC to -329/327 BC, i.e. the conquest of Alexander the Great)
Large circular cup on a powerful pedestal with 3 edges. The potbellied body has slightly irregular circumference.
The upper edge of the cup forms a well-hemmed and full lip with a frieze of circular incised motifs repeated all around the collar with a central punch. This motif is widely found on many artifacts from this region of Middle East and from this period.
Under the base of foot, marks from cutting tools are clearly visible. The calcitic alabaster is superb and entirely veined. Sometimes called "onyx marble", it is both translucent and mottled; the light passing through it highlights its sublime natural texture.
Dimensions: 18,5cm diameter and 15.2cm height
Weight 2,380kg
Very nice and stunning archaeological piece; due to its remarkable raw material, its intact condition and its exceptional decorative qualities
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