Alabaster alabastron (perfume vase)

Alabaster alabastron (perfume vase)

Description:

Alabastra are ubiquitous in the Greek world and frequent in neighboring regions, particularly the Levant and Egypt. On Cyprus, stone examples begin during the Archaic period (seventh and sixth centuries B.C.) and become widespread during Classical times. The consistency of the shape makes it difficult to date them and to distinguish local from imported examples. Deposits of alabaster exist on the island. Alabastra served men and women in life and frequently were placed in burials.


H. 5 1/4 x 1 3/4 in. (13.3 x 4.4 cm)

Period:

Classical

Date:

499 - 300 BC

Collection:

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Provenance:

From Cyprus

References:

Myres, John L. 1914. Handbook of the Cesnola Collection of Antiquities from Cyprus. no. 1614, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.Hermary, Antoine and Joan R. Mertens. 2013. The Cesnola Collection of Cypriot Art : Stone Sculpture. no. 548, p. 395, Online Publication, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Accession Number:

74.51.5101