Ancient Western Asiatic artistic production dating to the 3rd millennium BC is characterised by finely potted, high fired terracotta vessels, usually enriched by dark pigmented geometric or zoomorphic decorations. Such vessels would have been produced to store food, but also as burial goods to be placed with the deceased in the tomb. Flaring cups and globular jars, such as this fine example, are among the most popular artefacts excavated. Although the first examples of such pottery production display simple shapes and stylised decorative motives, terracotta wares evolved embracing aesthetics from a multitude of cultures.
Western Asiatic Terracotta Jar with Birds and Geometric Motifs
£ 595.00
A Western Asiatic terracotta jar, featuring an ovoid body leading to tapered shoulders, a cylindrical neck and a collared rim. The jar is richly decorated with geometric motifs in dark pigmentation, formed from fine lines. To the top, the collar of the rim is decorated with triangles while the inside of the rim is painted with a thick band. The neck features six horizontal, encircling bands, followed by a ring of chevrons and another two continuous bands. The middle of the vessel’s body features multiple horizontal bands, with three painted in red pigment. The design is further enriched with a band of triangles and a further band below displaying stylised hatching birds alternating with panels of vertical lines. A thick band wraps around the lower half of the vessel, below which is unadorned. The vessel sits upon a flat base.
Provenance: Acquired 1970s-1990s. Ex Pars Gallery, Mayfair, London, UK. From a specialist collection of pottery.
Condition: Fine condition, slight cracks along the body and neck with repair. Minor chips to rim and body. Some earthly encrustation on the surface.
SOLD
| Weight | 3350 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | W 25 x H 33 cm |
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| Pottery and Porcelain |
