{"product_id":"egyptian-alabaster-hand-carved-vessel-urn-vase-15-5cm-antique-style","title":"Egyptian Alabaster Hand Carved Vessel Urn Vase 15.5cm Antique Style","description":"\u003cp\u003eA hand-carved Egyptian alabaster vessel of classical urn form, beautifully marbled in shades of honey, cream and amber with the characteristic translucent banding of fine Egyptian alabaster (calcite). Hand-turned and hand-finished, displaying the natural striations and crystalline structure of the stone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEgyptian alabaster (or calcium-carbonate calcite, as distinct from the gypsum alabaster of Volterra) has been quarried from the wadis of Middle Egypt - principally Wadi el-Faraghi and Hatnub - since the time of the Pharaohs, and was used for the canopic jars and ointment vessels found in tombs from the Old Kingdom onwards. The tradition of hand-carving alabaster vessels continues today in workshops around Luxor and Cairo, where artisans use methods little changed in three thousand years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis piece measures \u003cstrong\u003e15.5cm in height\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a gently flared rim, a tapering shouldered body and a recessed turned foot. The translucency of the stone is best appreciated when the vessel is placed near a window or under a light, when the internal banding glows. Condition is good - please refer to the photographs for the precise surface and any minor period wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA handsome decorator's piece in its own right and a particularly fine example of the genre. Suits a coastal, classical, Mediterranean or maximalist interior, or as a counterpoint piece on a console or desk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCombine shipping discounts on multiple items; collection from Nottingham welcome.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Moffitts Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54120027324700,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0677\/4630\/0188\/files\/57_c33dc7a1-b5e9-45e0-9004-714fd0be1def.jpg?v=1778915333","url":"https:\/\/moffitts.co.uk\/products\/egyptian-alabaster-hand-carved-vessel-urn-vase-15-5cm-antique-style","provider":"Moffitts Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}