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, such as this fine example, are among the most popular artefacts excavated from graves. Although the first examples of Ancient Western Asiatic pottery production display simple shapes and stylised decorative motives, terracotta wares evolved embracing aesthetics driven from all the cultures of Ancient Western Asia and later the Persian Empire entered in contact with.
Ancient Persian Terracotta Jar with Birds
£ 175.00
An Ancient Persian terracotta jar featuring a piriform, slender body leading to a neck with an everted, folded rim. The vessel sits on a small round raised foot. The jar is decorated with a register featuring birds with spread wings, separated by thick zigzagging lines. Three thick parallel lines decorate the neck and one frames the band of decoration to the bottom.
Provenance: Formerly from a late Japanese gentleman's collection, 1970s-2010s.
Condition: Fine, part of the surface has chipped off on one side. Loss of pigmentation due to ageing. The item is covered in earthly encrustations.
| Dimensions | W 9 x H 12 cm |
|---|---|
| Region | Near East (Western Asiatic) |
| Pottery | Terracotta |
