3rd millennium BC. A carved chlorite quadrangular container, divided into fourpartments, decorated on the outside with geometric figures in black and white, which form waves, squares and triangles on the outer walls of the cosmetic box. 360 grams, 81 x 81mm (3 x 3"). UK collection. London art market before 2000. Property of a London gentleman. In the first half of the 3rd millennium BCE, the Iranian plateau was at the crossroads of trade with its neighbouring regions. The region of Jiroft, lying far away from the large centres of civilization, had not until now attracted the attention of researchers. Chlorite is a soft and easy-to-work rock. It has been in e locally there for a long time. Stone vessels were necessary for the long-term conservation of organic products. Given their weight, stone vases rarely exceed 25 cm in height. In smaller dimensions they might have contained aromatic plants and perfumes. They include cylindrical boxes, c, high open-rim vases and a few globular jars.