The alabaster used by ancient civilisations in the Near East, including Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilisations, is often referred to as ‘oriental alabaster’, and is a type of calcite. Due to its easy carving characteristic and resemblance to marble, many ancient peoples used alabaster for decoration. Although alabaster’s soft and slightly porous stone made it easy to carve, the upshot was that it would not survive for significant periods of time when exposed to the natural elements. The name “alabaster” is thought to have derived from the Ancient Egyptian, ‘a-labaste‘, which refers to the vessels of the goddess, Bast. She is usually depicted as a lioness, her figure often sitting atop alabaster vessels.
Near Eastern Alabaster Pestle and Mortar
£ 800.00
A fine Near Eastern alabaster pestle and mortar set. The mortar features a circular mouth and thin, sloping walls that flare out to meet a wide, flat, circular base. The pestle fits neatly into the mortar, displaying convex sides which widen to form a flat, circular terminus. The top of the pestle is slightly domed. The alabaster of the mortar is beige in colour, with natural bands and striations of white, cream and brown. The pestle has a more opaque quality about it, presenting with a darker shade with natural striations of white and brown.
The pestle weighs 14.4g and measures 5cm in height and 2.2cm in width. The mortar weighs 124.5g and measures 6.3cm in diameter and 3cm in height.
Condition: Fine condition. Signs of wear as consistent with age and usage. Minor chips to the rim and edges of both the pestle and mortar. Some areas of surface pitting. Earthly encrustation to the surface, particularly inside of the mortar.
Weight | 138.8 g |
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Dimensions | L 5 x W 6.3 cm |
Region | Near East (Western Asiatic) |
Stone | Alabaster |