A fine polished banded travertine (Egyptian alabaster) cylindrical unguent jar. The vessel has a flat rim, probably originally with a lid, a bulbous tapered body and stands on a flat base.
 
Ancient Egyptian Middle Kingdom: Circa 1900-1750 BC.
 
Fine condition with a few light accretions.
Height 7.2 cms (2.83 ins)
 
Provenance: From a London gallery; previously 1980's Barnet, Herts UK private collection.
 
For similar see Met Museum: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/675879
 
This cylindrical jar with a flaring rim is a form generally used to hold ointment. The perfume and scented ointments that both men and women in ancient Egypt wore were also important in religious and funerary rites. This vessel typifies the classic form of ointment jar.