This object is a soapstone vase. it is cool to the touch at room temperature and the stone exhibits a range of colours including reds, greens, brown and greys. Soapstone mainly refers to talc-bearing ultramafic metamorphic rock which gives the stone a soapy texture. Its hardness ranges between 1 and 2 ½ on the Mohs scale. A possible way to test material would be to create an incision, if it is soapstone then even a fingernail can scratch it. Technologies likely used to create this object would involve reductive carving, sanding and polishing. It is likely to have been carved by one artisan who would have created the design around the unique inclusions found within the stone.
A Roman Portrait to be Returned to Italy from New Zealand
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A Roman marble portrait dating to the Antonine period will be returned to
Italy [press release]. The female head was acquired by the Classics Museum
at Vi...
1 day ago


