Double vessel cup - very nice - Bactria, 2000 - 1000 BC Alabaster 17 cm long and 5 cm height Condition: Good state, see photos. Provenance: Ex. Private collection, France, 1980s. Bactria (or Bactriana) was the name of a historical region in central Asia. Several important trade routes from India and China passed through Bactria from the Bronze Age onwards, which allowed for the accumulation of vast wealth by the predominantly nomadic population. In the ancient world, alabaster was widely used. This was on account of the rock’s softness – fine detail could be carved into it without need for iron or steel tools, and it had an attractive finish.