Ancient Egyptian Marble Libation vessel. 11 cm H. Late Period - Ptolemaic Period, 664 - 30 a.C.
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€ 1
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,100 - € 1,400
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Description from the seller
Libation vessel.
Ancient Egypt, Late Period - Ptolemaic Period, 664 - 30 a.C.
Alabaster - calcite
11 cm height and 8,2 cm diameter
Condition: Very good, intact, original state, see photos.
PROVENANCE: Private collection, France, 1980s.
The stone libation vessels made by the ancient Egyptians are an exceptional testimony to the ritual importance of water, perfumed oils, and other sacred liquids within their religious worldview. Crafted from materials such as calcite alabaster, granite, diorite, or quartzite, these vessels combined ceremonial functionality with a refined aesthetic that reflected the high status of those who used them. Their production required remarkable technical skill: craftsmen drilled and polished the stone with abrasive tools, achieving thin walls and perfectly polished surfaces that highlighted the natural beauty of the material.
These vessels were used in temples, tombs, and domestic rituals to offer libations to the gods, purify sacred spaces, or accompany the deceased on their journey to the afterlife. In many cases, they featured hieroglyphic inscriptions with offering formulas, names of rulers, or religious dedications that reinforced their symbolic nature. Their presence in grave goods underscores the belief that libations maintained the vitality of the deceased's ka.
More than simple containers, libation vessels represented a link between the human and divine worlds, expressing the devotion, magic, and technological sophistication of ancient Egypt through the hardness and permanence of stone.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateLibation vessel.
Ancient Egypt, Late Period - Ptolemaic Period, 664 - 30 a.C.
Alabaster - calcite
11 cm height and 8,2 cm diameter
Condition: Very good, intact, original state, see photos.
PROVENANCE: Private collection, France, 1980s.
The stone libation vessels made by the ancient Egyptians are an exceptional testimony to the ritual importance of water, perfumed oils, and other sacred liquids within their religious worldview. Crafted from materials such as calcite alabaster, granite, diorite, or quartzite, these vessels combined ceremonial functionality with a refined aesthetic that reflected the high status of those who used them. Their production required remarkable technical skill: craftsmen drilled and polished the stone with abrasive tools, achieving thin walls and perfectly polished surfaces that highlighted the natural beauty of the material.
These vessels were used in temples, tombs, and domestic rituals to offer libations to the gods, purify sacred spaces, or accompany the deceased on their journey to the afterlife. In many cases, they featured hieroglyphic inscriptions with offering formulas, names of rulers, or religious dedications that reinforced their symbolic nature. Their presence in grave goods underscores the belief that libations maintained the vitality of the deceased's ka.
More than simple containers, libation vessels represented a link between the human and divine worlds, expressing the devotion, magic, and technological sophistication of ancient Egypt through the hardness and permanence of stone.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Century/ Timeframe
Late Period - Ptolemaic Period, 664 - 30 a.C.
Name of object
Libation vessel. 11 cm H. Late Period - Ptolemaic Period, 664 - 30 a.C.
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Marble
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
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.
