{"product_id":"ev2005","title":"An Egyptian Pre Dynastic Gneiss Vessel, ca. 3600 - 3300 BCE","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003esuperbly crafted white gneiss vessel, the aggregate stone comprising a variety of grey to black inclusions in a soft cream matrix. The elegant form is characteristic of early dynastic stone vases, the perforated twin horizontal lug handles placed on the shoulders, the rounded rim offset, on a flat base, the interior hollowed, although in this example, not to the vessel sides.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eVessels such as this example were highly prized in antiquity and were probably used to store valuable and exotic perfumed oils or ointments.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground:\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePredynastic stone vessels were created from many different types of stone, including limestone, alabaster, marble, serpentine, basalt, breccia, porphyry, schist (greywacke), diorite, and flint. \u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eA luxury product demonstrating the Egyptian's skill at handmade stone manufacturing, they were used for special occasions, display, and to hold expensive cosmetics in wealthy households.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe earliest examples that appeared in burials were small in size, often bulbous or cylindrical pots with rims and lug handles, such as this example. Around 3000 B.C. a full range of material was being skillfully worked often in large sizes, and by the Early Dynastic period enormous, beautiful stone pots were made as temple offerings, replacing ceramics as the most luxurious grave goods. Like their ceramic counterparts, stone vessels were intended to hold actual or symbolic contents (food, oils) necessary for the afterlife. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor related examples see: Robert V. Fullerton, Art Museum Predynastic Egyptian Pottery Museum No. EL 01.001.2004 pg. 188,119,120,121 ex. 44-45, Sir W.M.Flinders Petrie,The Funeral Furniture OF Egypt Stone and Metal Vases, Stone Vases 62-90: Dynasties I-III, fig, 64-65.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRef: Winifred Needler, Predynastic and Archaic Egypt in The Brooklyn Museum, New York: The Brooklyn Museum (1984), pg. 238.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eWidth: 3 1\/4 inches (8.3 cm), Height: 1 1\/2 inches (4 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eChip to the rim professionally rejoined, some minor wear\/loss and accretions to the body that do not detract.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe vessel is intact and in excellent condition overall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance: \u003c\/strong\u003eProperty from the Estate of Joan Conway Crancer, St. Louis, Missouri, acquired from Galerie du Sycomore, Paris, 8 November 1990. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hindman Auctions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40552147189804,"sku":"EV2005","price":7500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0303\/3933\/4188\/products\/EV2005_2.jpg?v=1659509107","url":"https:\/\/qrack-shop.myshopify.com\/products\/ev2005","provider":"qrack shop ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}