Northern Italy, Villanovan culture, ca. 10th to 8th century BCE. Stunning pottery vessel with deep brown slip bulbous base thin neck with flared rim and most strikingly twin spiked (cornuta) handles and extended smaller spikes along top of base giving it a powerful masculine presence. Body of vessel further enhanced with repeated impressed circular designs and incised decoration on neck of birds facing right. Size: 12" W x 12" H (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm)

The Villanovans were an Iron-Age culture of central and northern Italy (descending from the Urnfield and Hallstatt cultures of central Europe) and actually the earliest group of the better known Etruscans. Skilled iron workers, they introduced iron to the Italian peninsula.

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: private East Coast, USA collection, ex-private New York, New York, USA collection, acquired prior to 1970, to present owner by inheritance.

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#135593

Scattered mineral and areas of earthen surface deposits. Both handles repaired from a few original pieces with restoration over the break lines, one long restored hairline in the body.