Circa 664-332 BC, Late Dynastic Period A finely modelled example of an Egyptian alabaster jar. The vessel features a flat base and an egg-shaped body, that gently curves upwards to a narrow neck and a wide, flat rim. The colouring is delicately enhanced by beautiful thin veins of white that encircle the piece, providing it with a pleasing visual pattern. In Ancient Egypt, alabaster jars were used as containers for ointment, perfume, and other cosmetic products, such as kohl. The alabaster used by ancient civilisations in the wider Middle East (including Egypt and Mesopotamia) is also called “oriental alabaster”, which is a type of calcite. For similar style and period see Ancient Egyptian Vessels in the State Pushkin Museum of Fine Art, Moscow. Size: L:97mm / W:60mm; 169g Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1970s UK collection.