Carved Steatite Student Carving -- "Trial Proof" -- Syro-Hittite or ... ???
carved, stone, face, student, portrait
Is it ancient? Yes, it is.
Is it beautiful? Depends on the beholder.
I like it because it is an example of a trial piece; it was never intended to be used as either a votive or inlay. It is probably the work of a student.
Age? Culture? No idea; tomb-robbers seldom keep good records of their excavations. This came to me by way of a strange and peculiar dealer who resembled one of those gnomes you read about in pulp fantasy-fiction of the 1930s.
I know it's ancient because of the "vibes", but can only guess as to its culture. My best guess is Syro-Hittite, but boy, could I be wrong!!! Priced based on my cost some 35 years ago. Crazy? Yeah, but it's one of those things that grows on ya.
$350.00
antiquity29