Antique alabaster coaster set with carved details and a tiered holder.

Alabaster, a fine-grained gypsum or calcite mineral, has been utilized for decorative and sculptural purposes for millennia. Its soft, translucent quality and ease of carving made it a favored material for ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, who used it for statues, vessels, and architectural elements.

During the Renaissance and later periods, alabaster continued to be employed for religious carvings, funerary monuments, and decorative objects. Its natural beauty and ability to be polished to a smooth finish lend themselves to intricate craftsmanship, often resulting in pieces that are both elegant and substantial. The origin of alabaster artifacts can vary widely, depending on the historical period and regional artistic traditions.