Ancient Egypt, Pre-Dynastic Period, Naqada II to III, ca. 3300 to 3000 BCE. An unusual example of a hand-built redware pottery jar with an apple-shaped lower body and a neck that tapers dramatically just above the black-hued shoulder. The round-bottomed vessel also has a deep interior cavity that is closed off via a black, mushroom-shaped lid bearing a hemispherical top. Typical Egyptian black-topped vessels exhibit thick, black areas of color around the upper part of the body and rim, so a vessel with black pigment only around the shoulder suggests only this area was exposed to the thick smoke necessary to achieve the coloration; the remaining surface area was perhaps wrapped with leaves or linen prior to kilning. Lucite display stand for photography purposes only. Size (w/ lid): 3.4" W x 4.625" H (8.6 cm x 11.7 cm)

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Dr. Sid Port collection, California, USA, acquired in the 1970s

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#152742

Lid is likely not original to the body, however plug base fits snugly within neck opening. Repair and some restoration to neck, with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines. Abrasions to body, shoulder, and lid, with light fading to pigmentation in some areas, and minor encrustations. Light earthen deposits throughout.