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Online Collections

alabastra


Details
Term Type

Art & Architecture Thesaurus

Preferred Term

alabastra

Details

Small ancient Greek or Roman vessels for holding oils, ointments, or perfumes; usually elongated in form, almost cylindrical, and rounded at the bottom. Some footed examples also exist. They either have no handles or one small handle at the side. Alabastra are small enough to be held in one hand or it could be carried by a string looped around its narrow neck or passed through smal lugs on the shoulder. The shape originated in Egypt, where it was made in glass, faience, or alabaster (it takes its name from this stone).

Variations

alabastrons

alabastron

alabastoi

alabastrum

alabastrums

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