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.
Decorated Ancient Persian Terracotta Jar
£ 250.00
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 ring foot. The jar is further enriched with a register featuring two Markhor goats striding forward, with their distinctive curly horns and oblong bodies, exaggerated eyes, typical of this style of decoration. The animals are separated by two stylized trees. The Markhor goat features in the decoration of several ancient civilisations and is today the national animal of Pakistan. Four parallel lines of varying thickness decorate the neck and two border the decorated register to the bottom.
Provenance: Formerly from a late Japanese gentleman's collection, 1970s-2010s.
Condition: Fine, a chip on the foot. Loss of pigmentation due to ageing. The item is covered in earthly encrustations.
SOLD
| Dimensions | W 11 x H 13.5 cm |
|---|---|
| Region | Near East (Western Asiatic) |
| Pottery | Terracotta |