ITEM DESCRIPTION:

Discover a tangible piece of ancient history with this exquisite Egyptian alabaster jar, meticulously crafted during the illustrious Old Kingdom. Dating to the 4th-6th Dynasty (circa 2613-2181 BC), this remarkable vessel embodies the sophisticated craftsmanship of one of civilization's earliest great eras.

A Glimpse into Ancient Life: This jar, likely used for precious unguents, oils, or cosmetics, features a classic short cylindrical neck, a distinctive thick, flat disc rim, and gracefully rounded shoulders tapering to a flat base. The interior has been expertly drilled out, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient Egyptian artisans in forming a functional container from solid stone.

Exceptional Preservation: This artifact presents in Very Fine condition, appearing complete with minimal external wear, as meticulously documented in our high-resolution macro-photography. Both the internal and external surfaces exhibit beautiful, natural calcite formations – a testament to millennia of organic development within its ancient environment. A subtle, dark vertical stain on one area suggests the jar's extended rest upon a sand substrate over countless centuries, adding to its unique narrative.

Provenance & Authenticity Guaranteed:

This magnificent jar is thought to originate from a significant early 20th-century private Swiss collection, with the intriguing possibility of having belonged to Alton Edward Mills (1882-1970). While this attribution is based on expert opinion and remains unconfirmed, it points to a distinguished collecting history.

Your investment is protected: All our antiquities are accompanied by a hand-prepared, detailed 'Ancientspasts Certificate of Authenticity'. This lifetime guarantee ensures the item's provenance and authenticity, safeguarding its historical integrity and intrinsic value for generations to come.

Similar material and likely collection references can be found at:

• Christie's Live Auction, April 15, 2015, Sale: 10372, Lot 26.

Physical Properties:

• Height: 3.9 inches (9.96 cm)

• Base Diameter: 2.2 cm

• Upper Rim Diameter: 3.6 cm

• Weight: 104.69 grams

Don't miss the opportunity to own a genuine piece of the Old Kingdom – a period of unparalleled innovation and artistry in ancient Egypt.

Reference material and further reading: 

Where possible ancient artifacts may be referenced to similar material observed in the following publications within my collection:

• British Artefacts Vol.1, 2 and 3: Brett Hammond [Greenlight Publishing 2010]:

• Celtic & Roman Artefacts: Nigel Mills [Greenlight Publishing 2007]:

• SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome: Mary Beard [Profile Books 2015]:

• 50 Bronze Age Artefacts: Portable Antiquities Scheme: Dot Boughton [Amberley Publishing 2021]:

• Pottery in Britain 4000BC to AD 1900: Lloyd Laing [Greenlight Publishing 2003]:

• British Iron Age Coins In The British Museum: Richard Hobbs [British Museum 1996]:

• Swords of The Viking Age: Ian Peirce: [The Boydell Press 2003]:

• Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society Volume 85: [Cambridge University Press 2019]

• Mesolithic Europe: Geoff Bailey / Penny Spikins [Cambridge University Press 2008]

• Viking Art: James Graham-Campbell: [Thames & Hudson, London 2018]

• Roman Coins Vol. 1, 2 & 3: David R Sear: [Spink London 2000]:

• The Roman Cavalry: Karen R. Dixon: [B. . Batsford 1997]:

• Rome’s Saxon Shore: Coastal Defenses of Roman Britain AD 250 – 500: Nic Fields [Osprey Publishing 2006]:

• Amulets of Ancient Egypt: Carol Andrews: [University of Texas Press / British Museum Press 1994]:

• The Uniforms of the Roman World: Military dress, weapons, artillery, ships, siege engines and fortifications: Kevin F. Killey: [Anness Publishing 2017]:

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