Ancient Near East, Holy Land, Iron Age II, ca. late 8th to early 7th century BCE. A tall terracotta beer strainer used to separate solid ingredients from the liquid inside of a larger vessel. This sieve would have been first placed inside a vessel, stuffed with fermentable material, and covered with water and other liquids before sealing. Once the beer had been prepared or was to be moved to another vessel, the sieve would be removed and pressed to extract any remaining liquids. This example is designed with a flat base, tall walls, a deep interior cavity, and a rolled rim. Dozens of minute perforations cover the walls and base, with the rim and exterior surfaces decorated with a solid white slip. Sieve examples like this may have been used in bakeries as well since both breweries and bakeries were typically housed under one roof. The overall size and intact construction of this vessel makes it an exceptionally rare example from the ancient Near East! Size: 4.875" W x 11.375" H (12.4 cm x 28.9 cm).

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: ex-private Cypress, Texas, USA collection

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#132716

Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age and use as expected, one stable hairline fissure just beneath rim, light discoloration, minute nicks to body, base, and rim, with fading to slip color. Light earthen deposits throughout. Two TL drill holes, one beneath rim and the other beneath base.