The present vase is a two-handled urn sculpted from Alabastro Lisato. ‘Lisato’, meaning striped in Italian, describes the distinctive banding or veining present in this specific type of alabaster. Revered for its unique veining, remarkable warm hues, and stunning lustre, this stone is exceptionally rare, with a history of use and admiration dating back to antiquity.

The shape, form, and character of the present vase draws inspiration from ancient Roman marble vases and urns which were unearthed and highly valued across the Mediterranean from the sixteenth century onwards. During this period, sculptors interpreted and adapted the shapes of these ancient vessels, creating their own unique forms.