Large Pre-Dynastic Painted Terracotta Vase

Culture: Egyptian

Period: Naqada II period, 3500-3200 B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 15.5 cm high; 18.8 cm in diameter (including handles)

Price: Sold

Ref: 1611

Provenance: From the Belgian collection Jean-Jacques Rotthier (1932-2009). Since then in the family estate. Published in: Eric Gubel "Du Nil à l’Escaut", catalogue for the exhibition of the same name in the Banque Lambert in Brussels from 5 April to 9 June 1991, p. 36, no. 4.

Condition: Colour partially worn, but the vessel is wonderfully preserved.

Description: Large published terracotta vase of reddish clay with brown paint, which dates to Egypt’s pre-dynastic Naqada II period. The bulbous vessel stands on a rounded base and has a broad horizontal rim. Two horizontal, tubular-pierced handles are attached to the shoulder. The body is painted with a wavy pattern that likely symbolizes water, thereby alluding to the vessel's primary function. Alternatively, it may represent the waters of the Nile, which were vital to the Egyptians throughout every era. The wavy lines are arranged in evenly spaced blocks, extending from the rim to the base. The vase is published in: Eric Gubel, “Du Nil à l’Escaut” (catalogue for the exhibition of the same name held in Brussels from 5 April 5 to 9 June 1991), p. 36, no. 4.