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 Snake
£ 245.00
A fine Ancient Persian terracotta jar featuring a globular body leading to a short neck and an everted, folded rim. The vessel sits on a small, flat raised discoid foot. The jar is further enriched with two decorative registers: the top one features a geometrical composition, framed by two parallel lines to the top and bottom. The lower one features a snake, running across the body, displaying exaggerated eyes, typical of this type of decoration, and its biforked tongue sticking out. Two lines frame the register to the bottom.
Provenance: Formerly from a late Japanese gentleman's collection, 1970s-2010s.
Condition: Fine, one chip to one side of the body. Original pigmentation still vibrant. The item is covered in earthly encrustations.
SOLD
| Dimensions | W 10 x H 12 cm |
|---|---|
| Region | Near East (Western Asiatic) |
| Pottery | Terracotta |
