Alabaster is a rare, soft stone derived from compressed deposits of
either calcium carbonate or hydrated calcium sulphate. It is generally
white in colour but coloured versions also occur when impurities such as
iron or manganese are present.
It gets its name from the ancient Egyptian city of Alabastron which was famous for the manufacture of vases and amphorae
used as perfume containers.
Alabaster is more easily worked than marble and in the Etruscan
period circa 800 BC, it was used to create beautifully carved funerary
urns which depicted scenes from the life of the deceased, fantastic journeys to the world beyond, and
stories from Greek mythology.
After the Etruscans where annexed by the Romans in circa 400 BC,
alabaster because of its rarity, was not commonly utilized until after
the Medieval and Renaissance periods.
The art of alabaster carving flourished again in the 17th and early 18th
centuries, reaching its height around the 1870's - largely due to the
efforts of “travelling craftsmen”, who journeyed the world selling their wares, opening
shops and taking part in fairs and auctions.
In this "golden age" of alabaster there were over 60
workshops in the Tuscan region, however, today, only a few remain to
carry-on this ancient tradition.
During our Aromas
of Tuscany tour we visit some of the remaining alabaster workshops
where we can witness the dedication of traditional artisans and admire
the fine pieces that they create from this rare material.
