Ancient Near East, Canaan, the Levant, found in Jordan, ca. 3rd to 2nd millennium BCE. A gorgeous pull-toy that is hand-built from beige and citrine-hued terracotta that resembles a period-accurate chariot. The lengthy rectangular body features a planar base with two perforated flanges on either end that each hold a pair of discoid wheels secured to a modern wooden axle. The body also has a deep central cavity meant for a pottery chariot driver figure to stand and hold reins attached to the upper loops of the tall frontal panel. Registers of zigzagging striations and stippled embellishments are incised on the exterior of the lateral walls as well as the frontal panel to give the plaything a personalized presentation. The importance of this piece stems from its overall size. Pottery toys from this era were generally of a much smaller size, so a larger example was likely created for a child from a wealthy or influential family. Size: 8.875" L x 4.75" W x 7.9" H (22.5 cm x 12.1 cm x 20.1 cm)

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Daryl Kulok collection, prominent collector, acquired in the 2000s

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#164557

Repaired from multiple pieces, with restoration to areas of frontal panel, body, and wheels, and resurfacing with light overpainting along new material and break lines. Wooden axles are modern replacements, and wheels may not be from the original chariot body. Original pull animals, reins, and chariot rider missing as shown. Light encrustations, softening to some incised details, and darkening to some surfaces commensurate with age. Chariot still rolls along wheels.