Predynastic Terracotta Vase with Wavy Band Handles

Culture: Egyptian

Period: Naqada III period, 3200-3000 B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 19.4 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 1467

Provenance: Old Austrian private collection, early 20th century due to the enclosed label. Thence collection Rudolf Pospischil (1911-1998), southern Germany. Last in a family estate.

Condition: Intact

Description: Beautifully preserved predynastic terracotta vase of the so-called "Wavy-handled Ware" (Class W), named after the wavy band handles on the sides. These storage vessels were first imported around 3500 B.C. from Levant to Egypt, before they were imitated around 3200 B.C. by local pottery workshops and applied with the typical Egyptian wavy band handles. The vessel with the flat base broadens towards the top until it tapers where the handles start. The rim is rounded and pulled outwards. The short, grooved neck allows the vessel to be suspended with a thread and to be transported during the nomadic life. On the flat surface are clear traces of a flat blade and sort of a scraper, which were used during the production. See for the type the very similar vase in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York with the Accession Number 99.4.161. As well as: Diane Leeman "An overview oft the Predynastic Pottery of Ancient Egypt", Self-published on Academia.edu, p. 32-34. With an old, handwritten collection note and a label with the inscription "Tongefäße aus Aegypten" from the early 20th century.