Hand-Carved Italian Alabaster Urn | Neoclassical Sculpture

- Height: 23.7 cm
- Diameter: 13.8 cm (widest point)
- Weight: 5 kg

- Very Good - The piece is in very good vintage condition, exhibiting the characteristic weight and structural integrity of solid, hand-carved stone.
- Exterior Surface: The alabaster retains a smooth, satin-polished finish with visible natural mineral veining throughout.
- Interior Detail: The interior exhibits a natural aged patina and textural mineral characteristics consistent with a vintage stone piece of this era.
- Texture: While the exterior is highly polished, the interior retains the authentic, raw matte finish of the original carved stone.
- Structural Marks: The base features an original lathe centre mark, which is a functional artefact of the hand-turning process and confirms its artisanal origin. There are only two chips where the original lathe centre mark is obtained during the manufacturing process.

1. Design & Features
- Silhouette: A handle-less neoclassical "trophy" or urn form, defined by a wide, rounded shoulder that tapers into a slender neck and flares into a stable pedestal base.
- Material Properties: Genuine Italian alabaster, naturally translucent with a "cloudy" white-to-cream hue and subtle mineral veining.
- Thermal Signature: The stone maintains a cold-to-the-touch temperature, a key physical characteristic of authentic high-density mineral stone.
- Physical Presence: Standing at 23.7 cm with a weight of 5 kg, the piece offers significant visual and physical heft.

2. Craftsmanship
- Carved from a single, solid block of alabaster, likely from the Volterra region of Tuscany, renowned for producing the world’s finest architectural stone.
- Hand-turned on a traditional lathe, evidenced by the original centre mark (dimple) found on the underside of the base.
- Polished to a smooth, satin sheen that enhances the stone's natural ability to catch and diffuse light.
- Solid stone throughout, providing a level of durability and density that far exceeds cast resin or composite replicas.

3. Uses & Versatility
- Sculptural Accent: Its architectural weight and neoclassical lines allow it to function as a standalone art piece on a mantel, sideboard, or plinth.
- Luminous Decor: When positioned near a natural light source or an LED uplight, the translucent walls of the vessel create a warm, ethereal glow.
- Floral Display: An ideal vessel for tall, dried botanicals. A glass or plastic liner is recommended if using the vase for fresh flowers to prevent water from pitting the interior stone.
- Styling Flexibility: The minimalist, handle-less design allows it to transition seamlessly between traditional "Grand Tour" aesthetics and clean, Mid-Century Modern interiors.

4. Care Instructions
- Water Sensitivity: As alabaster is a porous mineral, avoid pouring water directly into the vessel; use a glass or plastic liner if displaying fresh flowers.
- Cleaning: Dust regularly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth.
- Liquid Precautions: Avoid the use of harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive polishes, as these can strip the natural wax finish and stain the stone.
- Handling: Given its 5 kg weight and the relatively soft nature of the mineral, handle with care to avoid impact against harder surfaces.
- Surface Protection: To protect your furniture from the unfinished stone base, the use of felt or silicone pads is recommended.