Ancient Egyptian - Fatimid flask in rock crystal - Egypt - 9th/10th century AD.
06
days
13
hours
19
minutes
35
seconds
Current bid
€ 150
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,400 - € 1,600
 | €150 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €1 |
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Egyptian Fatimid rock-crystal flask dating to the 9th–10th century, with a hexagonal multi-facetted body and cylindrical neck, 46 mm by 34 mm, in excellent condition with a tiny internal nick, provenance from the Netherlands (Galerie D.Z.N.), original/authenticbert.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Fatimid rock-crystal flask
The body is cut into a multi-faceted hexagonal prism on a circular base with a cylindrical neck.
Rock crystal was one of the most precious materials at the Fatimid court. Imported from afar, this material was endowed with magical properties. Because of its hardness, carving vegetal motifs so finely bevelled into rock crystal required great skill and patience. This flask was probably used as a perfume container.
The triangular-faceted form of the present flask would have highlighted these qualities.
Rock crystal, in which this flask was carved, is the purest form of quartz and is renowned for its hardness and clarity.
It was associated with air and water by the polymath al-Biruni (973–1048 CE), and its translucency was so admired that it was sometimes called Busaq al-qamar or the “spittle of the moon.”
The Fatimids, who were Isma’ili Shiites with a highly sophisticated theosophy, would have considered the unique ability of rock crystal to capture light as a special material, calling it a “dynastic material” (Shalem 1996, pp. 61–62, no. 60).
Dimensions: Length 46 mm x Width 34 mm
Excellent condition – just a tiny nick inside the neck
Egypt, 9th/10th century.
An exceptional piece
Provenance information: Netherlands, D.Z.N. gallery
Previous provenance history: Belgian private collection acquired on the European art market between 1990 and 2010.
The seller can prove that the lot was legally obtained, provenance statement seen by Catawiki.
Important information: The seller guarantees that they are authorized to sell/export this lot.
The seller will ensure that the necessary permissions, such as an export license, are arranged. (Cultural object passport)
The seller will inform the buyer of their status if this takes more than a few days.
All items from the seller are shipped with insurance up to the purchase price and are accompanied by an illustrated descriptive document mentioning provenance.
Seller's Story
Archeologia is a professional seller located in Metropolitan France. specializing in the sale of archaeological objects.
All items for sale have been legally acquired and have been subject to an appraisal.
An illustrated certificate including the description of the object and the provenance is provided with any object purchased.
Translated by Google TranslateFatimid rock-crystal flask
The body is cut into a multi-faceted hexagonal prism on a circular base with a cylindrical neck.
Rock crystal was one of the most precious materials at the Fatimid court. Imported from afar, this material was endowed with magical properties. Because of its hardness, carving vegetal motifs so finely bevelled into rock crystal required great skill and patience. This flask was probably used as a perfume container.
The triangular-faceted form of the present flask would have highlighted these qualities.
Rock crystal, in which this flask was carved, is the purest form of quartz and is renowned for its hardness and clarity.
It was associated with air and water by the polymath al-Biruni (973–1048 CE), and its translucency was so admired that it was sometimes called Busaq al-qamar or the “spittle of the moon.”
The Fatimids, who were Isma’ili Shiites with a highly sophisticated theosophy, would have considered the unique ability of rock crystal to capture light as a special material, calling it a “dynastic material” (Shalem 1996, pp. 61–62, no. 60).
Dimensions: Length 46 mm x Width 34 mm
Excellent condition – just a tiny nick inside the neck
Egypt, 9th/10th century.
An exceptional piece
Provenance information: Netherlands, D.Z.N. gallery
Previous provenance history: Belgian private collection acquired on the European art market between 1990 and 2010.
The seller can prove that the lot was legally obtained, provenance statement seen by Catawiki.
Important information: The seller guarantees that they are authorized to sell/export this lot.
The seller will ensure that the necessary permissions, such as an export license, are arranged. (Cultural object passport)
The seller will inform the buyer of their status if this takes more than a few days.
All items from the seller are shipped with insurance up to the purchase price and are accompanied by an illustrated descriptive document mentioning provenance.
Seller's Story
Archeologia is a professional seller located in Metropolitan France. specializing in the sale of archaeological objects.
All items for sale have been legally acquired and have been subject to an appraisal.
An illustrated certificate including the description of the object and the provenance is provided with any object purchased.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Century/timeframe
9TH-10TH CENTURY
Name of object
- Fatimid flask in rock crystal - Egypt - 9th/10th century AD.
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2024
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
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.
