Amethystine Quartz OIntment Vase,
Egypt, Middle Kingdom 2040 to 1782 BC,
This vase, in a classic conical form with everted lip is created from amethyst, a hard quartzite stone with translucent and white opaque striations. The entire exterior and interior of the vessel has been buffed and burnished to give it a perfectly smooth and extremely tactile surface.
The use of amethyst for such a sizable piece is extremely rare, as this semi-precious stone was usually reserved for small scarabs, personal tokens and amulets.
The Egyptians believed that precious stones were imbued with talismanic properties would give protection against all manner of evil and negative influences.
During the Middle Kingdom there was a surge in popularity in the use of amethyst, much of which was mined from the Wadi el-Hudi, in the south of Egypt near Aswan.
Stone, H:9.4cm (W:6.6cm),
Courtesy: David Aaron
