Egyptian Porphyritic Serpentine Vessel

Object Description

A fine Ancient Egyptian porphyritic serpentine vessel, dating to the Old Kingdom Period. The vessel features a flat circular base, from which thick, slightly convex walls gently slope upwards towards a wide, circular mouth. The rim is slightly everted. The stone presents with a highly polished surface and contains a variety of hues, including white, black, cream, and brown, creating a mottled and speckled effect.

Date: Circa 2686 – 2613 BC
Period: Old Kingdom Period, 3rd Dynasty

Object History

Prince collection, 1990s-2014, acquired in 2008 from a UK private collection, formed in the 1970s to 1990s. Reviewed by Simone Musso, consultant curator for Egyptian antiquities at the Stibbert Museum, Florence, Italy, member of the Nuri Archaeological Expedition.

Object Condition

Fine condition. Signs of wear as consistent with its age, such as chips to the rim, surface, and base. Some scratches and minor cracks to the surface. ‘02313RN’ inked on a small, white, rectangular sticker on the base of the vessel.

Object Details