A Biblical "Beehive" Unguent Jar and Lid, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd-1st Century BCE
A Biblical "Beehive" Unguent Jar and Lid, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd-1st Century BCE
A Biblical "Beehive" Unguent Jar and Lid, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd-1st Century BCE
A Biblical "Beehive" Unguent Jar and Lid, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd-1st Century BCE
A Biblical "Beehive" Unguent Jar and Lid, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd-1st Century BCE
A Biblical "Beehive" Unguent Jar and Lid, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd-1st Century BCE
A Biblical "Beehive" Unguent Jar and Lid, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd-1st Century BCE
A Biblical "Beehive" Unguent Jar and Lid, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd-1st Century BCE
A Biblical "Beehive" Unguent Jar and Lid, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd-1st Century BCE
A Biblical "Beehive" Unguent Jar and Lid, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd-1st Century BCE

A Biblical "Beehive" Unguent Jar and Lid, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd-1st Century BCE

MV1406

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This so-called "beehive" vessel of fine banded alabaster, is conical in form, tapers to a flat base, and features two small perforated lug handles at the shoulder.  The accompanying lid also exhibits a perforated lug finial at the top. 

Vessels of this distinctive shape were used to hold perfumed oils, aromatic gum resins, incense (frankincense or myrrh), or semi-solid unguents (aromatic ointments) such as the "Balm of Gilead," described in the Bible as a particularly valuable commodity.  Such jars were one of the most desirable and highly prized commodities of Ancient Arabia.

Dimensions: Height:  4 inches  (10 cm)

Condition: Encrusted base and deposits on the interior of the jar. Some very minor ancient rim and lid edge roughness, but otherwise intact and in overall excellent condition.

Provenance: Private NYC collection, acquired from the New York trade, 1980-1990s.

Sands of Time provides a lifetime, unconditional guarantee of authenticity and provenance. Every object you purchase from us is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, stating culture, provenance, and age.

Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.

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