Egyptian Late Period Alabaster Jar

Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, c. 664–332 BC, Egypt

An exquisite alabaster jar, finely carved from near-translucent stone in soft tones of pale cream and brown with delicate banded inclusions. The vessel presents a rounded body with corseted shoulders, a dramatically flared flat rim encircling a wide mouth, and a stable flat base. When held to the light, the stone reveals its remarkable translucency, a feature highly prized in Egyptian craftsmanship.

Such vessels were often used to hold cosmetics—particularly kohl, which the Egyptians famously applied around the eyes for both aesthetic and protective purposes. Alabaster containers were luxury objects, their beauty and material lending them a place in elite households and tombs.

Comparable examples of alabaster vessels have been found in high-status burials beyond Egypt, including in Bactria. At Ai Khanum, a Hellenistic city at the confluence of the Kokcha and Oxus rivers in modern-day Afghanistan, several alabaster vessels were discovered in the tomb of Kineas, the city’s founder. These parallels underscore both the enduring appeal and the widespread circulation of such finely crafted objects in antiquity.

Condition: Good overall. Repairs visible with traces of wax. Surface wear and abrasions consistent with age, along with minor chips, nicks, and a small hole. Attractive patina present, with traces of discoloration and earthly encrustations, enhancing the piece’s antiquarian character. Size approx. 10,7cm x 8,6cm x 8,5cm.

Provenance: British private collection. Acquired in the 1960s.