Art Institute of Chicago

Alabastron (Container for Scented Oil)

Egyptian

Date

7th century BCE/1st century CE

Medium

Alabaster

Culture

Egypt

Department

Arts of Africa

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Before soap was invented, scented oils were used for bathing or perfume and stored in vials like this one. This early Egyptian example was carved from alabaster, a translucent stone that is plentiful in Egypt. Through trade the Greeks obtained and then copied the shape in colored glass or clay, calling the shape an “alabastron,” after the stone used for the vessels. Because they were considered very personal belongings, alabastrons were often buried with their owners and have been found frequently in tombs.

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