Near Eastern Pottery Bowl with Pool Scene

Object Description

A large Near Eastern pottery bowl featuring the interior modelled as a pool scene. The bowl is hemispherical in shape with a carinated rim. There is engraved circumferential bands along the exterior. Two miniature lamps with pinched nozzle sit along the rim. The interior is modelled with highly unique features, there is two facing ladders leading from the rim to the bottom of the vessel where there is a rectangular recess pool. In the pool are two bird -like figures, one of which is very worn due to age. There is two anthropomorphic females placed against the sidewall opposite each other. Earthly encrustation covers the surface.

Date: 2nd-1st millennium BC

Object History

From an important Cambridgeshire estate, hence by descent. This piece is acquired from the collection of Sir Daniel Donohue, auctioned by Bonhams 13 April 2011, in London, lot 353. Accompanied with the original Bonhams lot tag.

Object Condition

Fair condition. Chips to the rim and earthy encrustations to the surface. The surface is worn consistent with age.

Object Details