Amethyst Bottle

This small container made of beautifully veined amethyst stone would have been a luxury item, most probably filled with an expensive, fragrant oil. The container would have had a stopper. Since the base is rounded and does not sit flat, the container would probably have been placed in a box or ring stand to remain upright.

To judge by its shape, this particular example probably dates to the Old Kingdom, ca. 2686-2134 BC. Dimension: H x W: 8 x 7 cm (3 1/8 x 2 ¾ in).

Now in the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, F1909.60