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Very Rare and Early Carved Vessel in the Form of a Hedgehog

$48,000
£36,447.54
€41,680.48
CA$67,062.96
A$74,588.65
CHF 38,947.88
MX$907,664.54
NOK 497,423.81
SEK 466,495.78
DKK 311,077.40
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About the Item

A Very Rare and Early Carved Vessel in the Form of a Hedgehog Alabaster Near Eastern 3rd Millenium BC SIZE: 9.5cm high, 9.5cm wide, 15.5cm deep - 3¾ ins high, 3¾ ins wide, 6 ins deep The body with ‘cross hatching’ to suggest spines. The small face with two drilled holes to represent eyes and a ‘snub’ snout. The delicate carving allows us a small glimpse into the world, and to see through the ‘eye’ of the sculptor their ‘free style’ and simple, yet superb use to ‘enliven’ the material, in this case, alabaster. Over millennium the surface has developed a beautiful golden ‘patina’. A similar vessel of a hedgehog can be seen in: Syria, Land of Civilisation, Michel Fortin (translation: Jane Macaulay) Quebec, 1999, p. 177 no. 106. However our example is more complete. It was also noted, that the mammal was only found in very small quantities at sites, and vessels in the shape of animals were not for everyday use, but rather for luxury items or ‘cult related’ objects. Provenance: Rupert Wace Ltd, London, April 2010 Ex Private English collection ART LOSS REGISTER: Certificate number: S00036728 / 29th April 2010
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 3.75 in (9.53 cm)Width: 3.75 in (9.53 cm)Depth: 6 in (15.24 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    3rd Millenium BC
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU9363239430752

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