Alabaster Urn-Shaped Vase

Name: Alabaster Urn-Shaped Vase
Brand: adeboer
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Urn-shaped vase made of creamy white alabaster, displayed on a wooden shelf next to another reddish-toned vase.

Average (4/10)

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QUICK FACTS

DESCRIPTION

An urn-shaped vase crafted from polished alabaster, featuring a flared rim, a tapering body, and a circular foot. The alabaster exhibits natural banding and variations in color, ranging from creamy white to pale yellow, indicating its natural origin. The surface is smooth with a subtle sheen.

CULTURAL ECHOES

Where This Object Echoes

Ancient EgyptianDynastic periods

Ancient Egyptians frequently used alabaster for canopic jars, cosmetic vessels, and decorative vases, often with similar classical forms.

Roman EmpireImperial period

Romans valued marble and alabaster for architectural elements, sculptures, and decorative household items like vases and urns.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•Historically, such vessels were used in funerary rites to hold ashes or offerings. In modern contexts, they are used for purely decorative purposes, often to display dried flowers or simply as standalone ornamental objects.
•The aesthetic appeal of natural stone makes them popular as contemplative objects in home decor.

Meaning Through Time

Antiquity

Often associated with religious ceremonies, funerary practices, and luxury items given its material.

Renaissance to 19th Century

Symbolized classical taste and refinement, often appearing in grand interiors or as part of neoclassical decorative schemes.

20th Century onwards

Primarily viewed as decorative art or accent pieces, appreciated for their natural material and sculptural form, with less emphasis on symbolic meaning.

HISTORICAL STORY

Alabaster has been used for carving decorative and functional objects for millennia, particularly in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and later in Roman and Renaissance art. Its soft, translucent quality made it prized for ornamental use, including vases, statues, and ritualistic vessels. The urn shape ...

DID YOU KNOW?

Alabaster is a soft mineral, typically gypsum or calcite, which is easy to carve but can be easily scratched, making preserved ancient pieces quite valuable.

True alabaster (gypsum-based) is porous and can absorb liquids, causing it to stain or lose its luster over time if not properly cared for.

MATERIAL & CONDITION

Surface

The surface is smooth and polished, characteristic of carved alabaster, with visible natural veining and subtle translucency. It has a matte to semi-gloss finish.

Weight & Feel

Given its material and size, it would likely feel moderately heavy and solid, typical for a stone object of this dimension.

Condition

The vase appears to be in good condition with minor surface wear consistent with the user's description. No obvious chips, cracks, or significant abrasions are visible.