Lot 661

BMAC Bronze Age Banded Alabaster Vessel, Bactria-Margiana

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BMAC Bronze Age Banded Alabaster Vessel, Bactria-Margiana

Estimate: $1,800 - $2,700

Starting Bid: $800

(0 Bids)

by Artemis Fine Arts
July 30, 2026 8:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Central Asia, Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC). Finely carved from a single block of banded alabaster, this vessel shows the proportions and sculptural weight typical of Bactrian stonework. The broad, flat rim rises above a sharply recessed collar, tapering into a rounded, swollen body. The interior is deeply drilled with thick, well-defined walls, reflecting the lapidary technique of the early Bronze Age Oxus civilization.
The stone shows warm tones of honey, cream, and translucent beige, with natural veining and crystallization throughout. Vessels of this type are associated with ritual and cosmetic use, with examples excavated at sites in northern Afghanistan and Turkmenistan dating to the height of BMAC cultural development. Size: 6" W x 3" H (15.2 cm x 7.6 cm)

Provenance: ex-T.F. Holy Lands collection, formed since the 1960s

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Item # 199920

  • Condition: Minor surface wear, small chips, and light weathering consistent with age and burial. Overall very well preserved, with the form remaining complete and the stone exhibiting an attractive natural patina.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000