Ancient Pottery

Of all the material remains recovered by archaeologists, the most abundant is pottery – the first synthetic material created by humans. Pottery is a general term defined as objects made of clay fashioned into shapes, dried into a leather-hard state and then fired to permanently change the clay’s moleculat structure so that they hardened and survived over time. Early civilizations used clay earthenware and terracotta vessels to store, prepare and serve food; hold perfume and precious oils; ship commodities; burn oil for light; contain or function as votive offerings; and help settle and satisfy the dead in their comfortable afterlife.

Showing 13–19 of 19 results

  • Sale!

    Ancient Terracotta Platter with Stamped Designs, Roman North Africa #3186

    Original price was: $465.00.Current price is: $365.00.
    H: 1.625” Dia: 10.125” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    A fine ancient Roman platter produced for upper classes, this is refined and delicate and has stamped decorative images in complex circles.  Although rough areas with small losses remain, it is an ancient piece otherwise in very good condition that, especially considering its age and use, remains a remarkable surviving piece of history.

  • Ancient, Xenon Ceramic Vessel, Magna Graecia, Italy (1368LME) $495

    $495.00
    H: 3.125”  W: 3”  D: 2.875” | FREE SHIPPING IN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    Dating from the 4th century B.C.E., this miniature pottery vessel was wheel-thrown in the Greek colonies, Apulia, Magna Graecia in Southeastern Italy. Called Xenon ware, it’s elegant shape has a curved body, small neck with flared rim and handle and is decorated with painted orange geometric designs.  Its diminutive shape indicates it may have been made for use by children or as a votive vessel. Common for pottery of this age there is some fading of the painted decoration and small chips. With no discernible repairs or restorations it is in very good shape for its age and use.

  • Sale!

    Brick Tile of 2 Wéiqí Board Game Players, China #3346BKE

    Original price was: $495.00.Current price is: $395.00.
    H: 11” W: 9.5” \ D: 2” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    As part of the The Song dynasty cultural expansion, government and public buildings and tombs were built with interior walls decorated with earthenware unglazed mold-made brick tiles. This fanciful vibrant tile with a scalloped frame portrays two people playing a board game called wéiqí which originated in China over 2500 years ago. It is the world’s oldest and most complex board game still played.

  • Han Dynasty Cocoon Jar with Cloud Designs, China (16015UHEM) $2100

    $2,100.00
    H: 11.75” W: 12.25” D: 7.5” | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    Cocoon jars were mingqi made for placement in tombs to comfort the deceased on their journey to and in their afterlife. An elixir of Immortality made from mulberry leaves or their ashes was placed inside for the deceased to drink and transmigrate into the world of the beyond. Ovoid in shape to resemble a silkworm cocoon, ajar rests on a small trumpet-shaped foot and has a narrow neck and a wide lip at its mouth. Painted after firing with vertical bands dividing it into panels, swirling cloud scrolls, and circular “eye” motifs at each end, this beautiful vessel is in excellent condition for its age with expected paint losses, scrapes, and dirt adhesions.

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  • SOLD Ancient Catacomb Terracotta Oil Lamp, Roman Empire (1885A-WAR)

    $155.00

    Although most famous for Christian burials, people of all religions were interred in the catacombs due to a shortage of land and demand for burial space after a switch from cremations to underground burials in the 2nd century A.D. Roman made closed earthenware terracotta lamps became the dominant oil lamp style in the Roman world…

  • Sale!

    Song Brick Tile of Feasting Couple, China #3349BLE

    Original price was: $465.00.Current price is: $350.00.
    H: 6.26″    W:  9″   D:   1.625″    |  CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING.

    This late Song brick tile portrays a feasting couple with a figure points to a stylized image of a bat flying (for good luck) in the sky.

  • Sale!

    Song Dynasty Tile of a Lion Dance, China #4001BLE

    Original price was: $495.00.Current price is: $395.00.
    H: 7.25 ”   W:  11.5″    D: 1.75 ”    |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    Song brick tiles like this decorated government, public and religious buildings, often depicting mythical animals, auspicious objects and holiday celebrations. This tile shows a traditional lion dance performed at Chinese New Year to attract prosperity and good luck for the coming year.The lion is flanked by 2 frightened children and a person in anjali mudra, symbolizing composure that could counter balance the children’s fear. 

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