Etruscan Alabaster Alabastron in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, January 2018

Alabaster alabastron (perfume vase)

Period:Archaic

Date:early 6th century B.C.

Culture:Etruscan

Medium:Alabaster

Dimensions:H.: 14 in. (35.6 cm)

Classification:Miscellaneous-Stone Vases

Credit Line:Purchase, The Concordia Foundation Gift, 2008

Accession Number:2008.332

Cut from one piece of stone, the vase consists of the container, in the form of a woman holding a lotos flower, and a base embellished with four female heads. The work is an Etruscan response to perfume flasks with the busts of women that originated in the Near East and spawned adaptations in Cyprus, East Greece, and Etruria. The concept of decorating four sides of a vessel ultimately derives from the East as well. Related works are exhibited in the Belfer Court on the main floor.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/258094