Egyptian

Travertine, the material from which these vessels are made, was prized by the ancient Egyptians for its translucence and beautiful veining. Sculptors chose a piece of stone for the decorative quality of its veins, which were further emphasized in the carving process.

Travertine is an extremely hard stone and difficult to work, especially using the copper tools available during the Old Kingdom. Producing such balanced shapes and smooth surfaces required considerable skill. These vessels were deposited in the tombs of elite Egyptians, as part of their funerary equipment.