Object Description
A finely painted terracotta chalice from the Indus Valley civilisation. The vessel features a cylindrical stem with a concave base which expands into a wide, flared body and everted rim. The body of the vessel is enriched with a main register of geometric designs. Dark pigmented vertical lines alternative with intersecting undulating lines forming cross shapes. Above the register lies a band of painted dots, encircling the chalice. Thin horizontal lines frame the pattern. A thick band of pigment decorates the lower part of the cup on the stem and the base, as well as at the top, below the rim. A row of zigzagging lines are visible to the inner rim and a further thick band can be seen on the interior. There are some chips to the rim and base of the cup and parts of the paint has faded from age.
Date: Circa 2500-2000 BC