Iranian Terracotta Cup from Tapeh Kelar

Culture: Iran/Tapeh Kelar

Period: 8th-7th century B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 8 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 6589

Provenance: Austrian private collection Prof. Josef Mairitsch (1938-1994) with the inventory number 53A. Acquired between 1960 and the early 1980s. Thence in the family estate. With the collection note.

Condition: A minor wear on the rim, otherwise intact. Scattered layers of encrustation.

Description: Rare terracotta cup, which originates from the Kelardasht valley in north Iran according to the collection note. The excavation hill Tapeh Kelar was settled since the Neolithic period. This cup, produced on a potter’s wheel, originates from the Iron Age. It stands on a set off foot ring and is exceedingly diligently painted with black color. Besides the encircling bands the ladder decoration below the rim is striking. The “rungs” are applied in a way that light dots of the crème-coloured prime shines through.