Asia Minor, Yortan Culture or related in Western Anatolia, Early Bronze Age, ca. 2700 to 2300 BCE. Made of black grey clay and fired to a glossy finish, this is a skin-bag shaped jar with fine-line incised decoration that gives the impression of raised rope. The shape of the vessel includes a thick strap handle on one side and a dramatic, pointed spout with a slightly rolled lip. Two horn-like projections and several smaller, button-like projections stud the round body at regular intervals. The vessel stands on three pointed, conical feet. Size: 6.75" W x 12.5" H (17.1 cm x 31.8 cm)

Ancient Western Anatolia is famous for a number of large ruins, most notably Troy (Hisarlik), but many mysteries remain. The Yortan culture is known through a burial site in the valley of Bakir Cai that has not been well-studied. Adults and children were buried, crouched, in large terracotta storage containers; around them were placed a great deal of pottery in the form of jugs, jars, and occasionally bowls, much of it blackware just like this piece. An incredibly rare and well-preserved example from a little-known culture!

Provenance: private Ventura County, California, USA collection

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#129164

Repaired from multiple pieces, with repairs well done and difficult to see. Nice age patina, with light encrustation that does not obscure the details.