Alabaster Perfume Flask (First Temple Period)
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Alabaster Perfume Flask (First Temple Period)

$2,300.00

This elegant translucent alabaster perfume flask exemplifies the artistry and craftsmanship of Israelite artisans of the Iron Age, First Temple Period. Crafted from fine, translucent alabaster, the flask presents an ovoid body with a narrow, well‑formed neck and a gently everted mouth, its surface smoothly polished to reveal the subtle veining and soft luminosity of the stone.

The most striking feature of the flask is its delicate, refined profile and the way the translucent material captures and diffuses light, lending a quiet, luminous quality to the form. The workmanship demonstrates mastery of stone‑carving techniques, with a precise, symmetrical shape and a satin finish that highlights the inherent beauty of the alabaster. Any surviving tool marks are minimal and secondary to the overall polished presentation.

This object likely served both personal and ritual functions, used to contain precious oils or perfumes for daily grooming, anointing, or sacred ceremonies. Its refined material and careful execution reflect the value placed on aromatic substances in Israelite society and suggest ownership by an individual of some standing. Found in Jerusalem. Iron Age, First Temple Period (circa 10th–6th centuries BCE).

REFERENCE #

ST-22470

CIVILIZATION

Israelite, 1200 B.C.E. – 800 B.C.E.

SIZE

L. 7.5cm

CONDITION

Fine condition

PRICE

$2300

PROVENANCE

The Baidun Collection

Canaanite Large Decorated Spear Head
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Canaanite Large Decorated Spear Head

This magnificent leaf-shaped spear head was made by the Canaanites in the mid to late 2nd millennium B.C.E.. It displays excellent engineering and structural elements, particularly in terms of the bilateral central longitudinal fortified rib, widening to a broad tabular section at the butt end which was used to haft the spear head onto the shaft. The body tapers in both frontal and lateral profiles, making it a lethally effective weapon. The size also counts against anything other than a martial function, while the status associated with both warriors and large quantities of bronze (an expensive commodity at the time) marks it out as an important artifact.

Where found in context, such pieces are typically associated with prestige graves, and it would appear that they were probably as important in terms of appearance (i.e. conspicuous governance and threat) as in their evident lethality in combat. Indeed, at almost half a metre long, this piece would have been a very imposing item at the time of its manufacture, as indeed it is now. There is considerable evidence for diversity of manufacture across the Canaanite area, perhaps reflecting something of the modular yet martial nature of the time.

The Canaanites were one of the ‘tribal’ groups of what was to become Israel, Palestine and Jordan, who had their cultural roots in the Neolithic revolution when agriculture revolutionised Near East economics. By the Bronze Age the stability of the area and their position between great trading powers – notably Egypt and Mesopotamia – made them prosperous and culturally diverse, and was a high point for artistic creation. The culture contracted with economic issues suffered by Egypt and the Mesopotamians, and went through a collapse at the end of the Bronze Age due to a combination of ‘Sea People’ invasions, environmental meltdown and internal troubles in Egypt leading to loss of infrastructure throughout the Near East. Their resurgence of power in the Iron Age was matched by that of the Ammonites and Moabites, among others, and the region eventually came under control of the Neo-Assyrians by the mid 8th century B.C.E.. Such symbols of conspicuous consumption and authority are rare, especially in this excellent state of preservation and exquisite patination. This is an attractive and elegant piece of ancient art.

REFERENCE #

WP_PR_1043

CIVILIZATION

Canaanite, 1400 B.C.E. – 900 B.C.E.

SIZE

L. 47.5 cm

CONDITION

Fine condition

PRICE

Price available upon request