Ancient Eastern Mediterranean, Phoenicia, ca. 6th to 4th century BCE. A pretty, heavy stone cosmetic dish, round, with low, straight walls, aside from a projecting swan's head from one side that forms a handle. The handle is flattened, roughly triangular, with incised lines forming stylized feathers and a drilled depression forming an eye. The sides of the dish are gently scalloped, making it easier to grip. The underside is decorated with a six-armed starfish or flower motif overlaid on a series of incised concentric circles. The stone used is beautiful: a dark iron color, with flecks of translucent quartz throughout, giving the surface a slight sparkling quality when exposed to bright light. Size: 4.4" W (11.2 cm)

Round trays of this style are found throughout the ancient world, from Central Asia to Egypt. Studies of the trace substances left in these trays have led researchers to conclude that they were used for mixing cosmetics.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex Neil Phillips collection, New York, USA, collected in the 1980s

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#131291

Light surface wear commensurate with age, especially on the handle. Otherwise in excellent condition.