Huge Anatolian Pottery Storage Jar w/ Greek Key Design
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Description
Asia Minor, Anatolia, ca. late 2nd to early 1st millennium BCE. A large, heavy terracotta jar with an amphora-like shape, narrowed neck, and broad, flared rim. The interior of the rim and body are painted a deep, rich red color. Hand-painted black lines create abstract motifs around the edge of the rim, neck, and upper body. Notably, the pattern includes a register of the "Greek key" (also known as meander or meandros) motif around the shoulder. There are traces of a similar geometric, large designs around the lower body; however, surface wear has obscured it. Above and below the Greek key are dense patterns that look to my modern eye like chainmail mesh but probably represented netting or weaving to the ancient creator of the piece. Size: 15.5" W x 19.75" H (39.4 cm x 50.2 cm)
This massive jar may have been used for food storage, but more likely served as an urn. Burial practices from ancient Anatolia are varied, but we know of cremation burials in urns from archaeological sites in this region. Often cremated remains were placed in large urns like this one with gifts and offerings. The Greek key/meander design has been interpreted to mean infinity and unity, perhaps based on the roll of waves on the sea.
Provenance: private New Jersey USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#121242
This massive jar may have been used for food storage, but more likely served as an urn. Burial practices from ancient Anatolia are varied, but we know of cremation burials in urns from archaeological sites in this region. Often cremated remains were placed in large urns like this one with gifts and offerings. The Greek key/meander design has been interpreted to mean infinity and unity, perhaps based on the roll of waves on the sea.
Provenance: private New Jersey USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#121242
Condition
Two chips from rim but otherwise intact, with wear to surface pigment, especially on lower body, as shown.
Buyer's Premium
- 24.5%
Huge Anatolian Pottery Storage Jar w/ Greek Key Design
Estimate $2,600 - $3,900
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Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
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