Description
rare group of finely carved alabaster cosmetic plates, each fashioned from a single piece of pale cream-colored calcite alabaster. The shallow circular depressions, carefully hollowed and polished, were designed to hold precious oils, perfumed unguents, cosmetics, or ritual offerings. Their restrained form emphasizes the natural beauty of the translucent stone, whose delicate banding and warm honey-colored tones become especially striking when illuminated.
Alabaster vessels of this quality were luxury objects in Bronze Age Canaan, highly prized by the region’s elite. Many were produced locally from Egyptian calcite alabaster or imported from Egypt, reflecting the close cultural and commercial ties that existed between Canaan and the Nile Valley throughout the Middle and Late Bronze Ages. Such plates have been recovered from palatial residences, temples, and high-status burials, where they served both practical and ceremonial functions.
REFERENCE #
SW-CN-1014
CIVILIZATION
Canaanite, 2500 – 1500 BC
CONDITION
Perfect condition
PRICE
$2500
PROVENANCE
Jerusalem private collection
Frequently Asked Questions
These cosmetic plates were crafted from a single piece of pale cream-colored calcite alabaster, a translucent stone known for its delicate banding and warm honey-colored tones. The alabaster was carefully carved and polished to create shallow circular depressions for holding oils or cosmetics.
The plates were designed to hold precious oils, perfumed unguents, cosmetics, or ritual offerings. They served both practical purposes in daily grooming and ceremonial functions in temples and high-status burials.
Many alabaster vessels were either produced locally from Egyptian calcite alabaster or imported directly from Egypt, highlighting the close cultural and commercial connections between Canaan and the Nile Valley during the Middle and Late Bronze Ages.
Similar plates have been recovered from palatial residences, temples, and high-status burials in Bronze Age Canaan, indicating their association with elite and ceremonial contexts.
These cosmetic plates date from the Canaanite civilization, specifically between 2500 and 1500 BC, during the Bronze Age in the ancient Near East.
The alabaster plates are in perfect condition and come from a private collection in Jerusalem, ensuring their authenticity and well-preserved state.
The price listed for these rare and finely carved alabaster cosmetic plates is $2500, reflecting their luxury status and historical significance.
