ANCIENT EGYPTIAN STONE OINTMENT JAR
EGYPT, EARLY DYNASTIC PERIOD, 1ST–3RD DYNASTY, CIRCA 3100–2700 B.C.
Estimate: £400 - £600
Auction: 13 March 2025 from 13:00 GMT
Description
carved breccia, standing on a flat base, gently sloping shoulders
Dimensions
4cm tall
Provenance
Private collection, Montreal, Canada, acquired 1970s - 1980s
Private collection, Paris, France
Footnote
In the latter half of the fourth millennium BC, there was a growing interest in luxury and refinement. During this time, small stone vessels such as the present early example began to appear, likely used for storing cosmetic ointments - a tradition that would persist well into the dynastic periods. Among the rare and prized stones favoured in ancient Egypt was red and white limestone breccia, which was used for vessel-making from the Naqada III period until the 4th Dynasty. After this time, its use became exceedingly rare.