Ca. 3100-2500 BC.A fine Bactrian alabaster bowl, featuring a flat foot, a slightly bulbous body with the sides flaring outwards terminating at a flared rim. It has a beautiful cream colour, with contrasting veins running through its body. Alabaster was a precious material, widely traded in the region from the 4th millennium BC onward. The purpose of such a vessel is not known. Pieces like this one often came from burials and votive offerings. Along with others that make up the typology of stone vessels, such as column or circular idols, these are all characteristic of the Bactrian material culture. Size: L:115mm / W:45mm ; 269gProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1980s.