Ancient Eastern Mediterranean / Western Anatolia, Phoenicia, ca. 6th to 2nd century BCE. A fascinating pottery figural jar presenting the relief image of a veiled woman on both sides. Robes flowing down her body in cascading folds of fabric, the ancient lady presents an idealized visage of large, almond-shaped eyes, a round nose, and bowed lips. She grasps the hem of her mantle with her right hand, perhaps to indicate modesty, while her left rests on her womb signifying her connection with fertility. Sizable earrings and a diadem peak out from beneath her mantle, suggesting she is of higher social status. This vessel perhaps represents a lady in mourning or a deity and could have served as an urn or votive for the deceased, a flask to strap to one's side, or a finial for domestic decoration. Size: 3.3" W x 4.9" H (8.4 cm x 12.4 cm); 6.1" H (15.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-T.W. collection, acquired from a Charlotte, North Carolina, USA collection, acquired in the 1980s - 1990s

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#175486

Some minor nicks and abrasions to surface as shown. Otherwise, intact and excellent with impressively preserved detail. Light earthen deposits throughout.