Parthian / Sasanian Glazed Ceramic Rare & Heavy Near Eastern Albarello Vessel
06
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08
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03
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Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 400 - € 500
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Description from the seller
Rare & Heavy Near Eastern Glazed Albarello Vessel with Intense Silver & Gold Iridescence – Parthian / Sasanian (c. 3rd–7th Century AD)
An unusual and tactile example of ancient Near Eastern glazed ceramics, dating from the late Parthian to Sasanian Empire period (c. 3rd – 7th Century AD).
The vessel features a heavy cylindrical-conical body tapering slightly towards a molded pedestal foot, capped by a flat rim with deep double horizontal grooves. The solid potting and notable mass (252 g) suggest it functioned as a durable storage jar (unguentarium or early albarello) designed to hold costly botanical extracts or medicinal balsams.
The Phenomenon of Iridescence
Originally coated in an alkaline turquoise/blue glaze, centuries of exposure to ground minerals and moisture have altered the glass-like surface. This chemical transformation has created a thick, crackled patina that reflects light with brilliant silvery-white, turquoise, and fiery gold metallic hues. This optical phenomenon (silver iridescence) is one of the most highly prized aesthetic traits among collectors of ancient Near Eastern and Islamic glass and glazed ceramics.
Technical Specifications:
Object: Heavy Glazed Utility / Unguent Vessel
Culture / Region: Near Eastern (Mesopotamian / Parthian / Sasanian)
Date: c. 3rd – 7th Century AD
Height: 127 mm (12.7 cm)
Weight: 252 g (Extremely dense / solid)
Material: Earthenware with weathered alkaline glaze
Included: Custom clear acrylic display base
Condition Report:
Structure: Body, rim, and foot structure are completely solid and intact with crisp molded details.
Base: Features a natural burial piercing/hole through the center of the base (clearly documented in close-up photographs), confirming soil context and antiquity.
Surface: Excellent state of iridescent devitrification with authentic soil adhesion. Completely free of modern restoration, re-glazing, or artificial fills.
Rare & Heavy Near Eastern Glazed Albarello Vessel with Intense Silver & Gold Iridescence – Parthian / Sasanian (c. 3rd–7th Century AD)
An unusual and tactile example of ancient Near Eastern glazed ceramics, dating from the late Parthian to Sasanian Empire period (c. 3rd – 7th Century AD).
The vessel features a heavy cylindrical-conical body tapering slightly towards a molded pedestal foot, capped by a flat rim with deep double horizontal grooves. The solid potting and notable mass (252 g) suggest it functioned as a durable storage jar (unguentarium or early albarello) designed to hold costly botanical extracts or medicinal balsams.
The Phenomenon of Iridescence
Originally coated in an alkaline turquoise/blue glaze, centuries of exposure to ground minerals and moisture have altered the glass-like surface. This chemical transformation has created a thick, crackled patina that reflects light with brilliant silvery-white, turquoise, and fiery gold metallic hues. This optical phenomenon (silver iridescence) is one of the most highly prized aesthetic traits among collectors of ancient Near Eastern and Islamic glass and glazed ceramics.
Technical Specifications:
Object: Heavy Glazed Utility / Unguent Vessel
Culture / Region: Near Eastern (Mesopotamian / Parthian / Sasanian)
Date: c. 3rd – 7th Century AD
Height: 127 mm (12.7 cm)
Weight: 252 g (Extremely dense / solid)
Material: Earthenware with weathered alkaline glaze
Included: Custom clear acrylic display base
Condition Report:
Structure: Body, rim, and foot structure are completely solid and intact with crisp molded details.
Base: Features a natural burial piercing/hole through the center of the base (clearly documented in close-up photographs), confirming soil context and antiquity.
Surface: Excellent state of iridescent devitrification with authentic soil adhesion. Completely free of modern restoration, re-glazing, or artificial fills.
Details
Culture
Parthian / Sasanian
Century/timeframe
c. 3rd–7th Century AD
Name of object
Rare & Heavy Near Eastern Albarello Vessel
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Glazed Ceramic
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
