Late Predynastic-Early Dynastic Period, circa 3150-2700 B.C. A polished speckled porphyritic quartz monzodiorite (syenite) stone jar with gently tapering body, rounded shoulders with pierced tubular handles, broad everted rim and slightly domed discoid lid. Cf. Aston, B.G., Ancient Egyptian Stone Vessels: Materials and Forms, Heidelberg, 1994, p.96, shape 16. 214 grams, 91 mm high (3 1/2 in.). From an earlier 20th century collection. Acquired on the UK art market circa 1999-2002. Property of a South Oxfordshire private collector. Apanied by a scholarly note by Egyptologist Paul Whelan. This would have been used to hold precious oils, perfumes, or unguents. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions .]