1878 Wood Engraving Cyprus Alabaster Vase Artifact Archaeology Calcite XGS3

This is an original 1878 black and white wood engraving of several ancient alabaster vases found in Cyprus. The alabaster used back then was calcite alabaster, a lot harder than the gypsum used today from the same mineral. It is thought that the term "alabaster" may have originated in Egypt, as very often figures of the lion-goddess Bast would top some vessels made of the same material, hence ala-bast.

Cyprus is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The first known settlers of the island are known to be from 10,00 BCE which has been supported by ancient artifacts found in villages from the Neolithic era. In these same areas some of the oldest water wells in the world have been found.

CONDITION

This 133+ year old Item is rated Near Mint / Very Fine. Light aging throughout. No creases. No natural defects.No surface rub.No tears. No water damage.

• Product Type: Original Wood Engraving; Black / White
• Grade: Near Mint / Very Fine
• Dimensions: Approximately 5.25 x 8.5 inches; 13 x 22 cm
• Authentication: Serial-Numbered Certificate of Authenticity w/ Full Provenance
• Protection: Packaged in a custom archival sleeve with an acid-free black board (great for display, gift-giving, and preservation)

Period Paper is pleased to present this image depicting Cyprian archaeological finds. The artifacts shown were found during a ten year period by General Louis Palma di Cesnola, the U. S. Consul to the Mediterranean island during Abraham Lincoln's presidency. The relics were purchased by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and currently serve as the foundation of their antiquities collection. Interestingly, Cesnola became the Metropolitan's first director in 1879.

Keywords specific to this image: shapes, types, stoneware

XGS3C78