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

  • SOLD Ancient Harpocrates Figurine, Roman Empire, Alexandria (1844)

    SOLD Ancient Harpocrates Figurine, Roman Empire, Alexandria (1844)

    $395.00
    Ht: 6.5”  W: 2.625”  D: 1.75” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This ancient figurine is Harpocrates the Greek god of silence and secrets holding a jar made for a home shrine.  He probably represents a royal and temple cult, as he wears a double crown symbolizing both Upper and Lower Egypt and his royal emblem signifies his association with the reigning Egyptian king, who was considered a manifestation of the Egyptian god Horus. Missing part of his right side when excavated, and no with no repairs this is a true slice of history. It pairs well with #1845 Ancient Pottery Figurine of Child Nurturer Goddess.

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  • SOLD Ancient Large Stamped Red Platter, Roman North Africa (3185)

    SOLD Ancient Large Stamped Red Platter, Roman North Africa (3185)

    $450.00
    H: 2.25”  Dia: 14.5″ |Free shipping in Continental US!

    Created in the Roman North Africa  platters like this were distributed throughout the Roman Empire.  Known as  s ARS (African Red Slip) it is decorated with circular rings with perfect ridges made using a pottery wheel. This ancient serving plate is remarkable for its survival, size, stamped designs and graceful simplicity. Found in two pieces, the breaks were clean and glued together. Platters of this size are rare and are usually in multiple broken pieces with significant losses.

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  • SOLD Ancient Pottery Figurine of Child Nurturer Goddess, Roman Empire, Alexandria (1845BHK)

    SOLD Ancient Pottery Figurine of Child Nurturer Goddess, Roman Empire, Alexandria (1845BHK)

    $395.00
    Ht: 6.75” W: 3” D: 2” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This Roman Egyptian figurine from Alexandria of a woman holding a young child is a Kourotrophos, a class goddess figures holding infants or children. Referred to as “child nurturers”, these were revered deities, cult figures and mortals who were also fertility symbols and protectors of the young. Made from a bivalve mold, this terracotta figurine was probably placed on a home altar for protection. Mother and child figures like this are universal and appear in cultures throughout the world. It pairs well with #1844 Ancient Harpocrates Figurine.

     

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  • SOLD Ancient Terracotta Carinated Flagon with Handle, Roman North Africa (3190)

    SOLD Ancient Terracotta Carinated Flagon with Handle, Roman North Africa (3190)

    $625.00
    H: 8.5” Dia: 9.75” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    Made in the Roman North Africa, this ancient carinated ceramic flagon called coarse wear for daily use made of inexpensive durable clay was used to hydrate all kinds of people and on home altars for offerings to family deities. Carinated pottery, where the top and lower sections are angled in opposite directions forming a pointed edge, was common ancient pottery shape, this one with a handle.

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  • Sale! SOLD Ancient Terracotta Platter with Stamped Designs, Roman North Africa (3186)

    SOLD 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.

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  • SOLD Ancient Xenon Pottery Vessel, Apulia (1784)

    SOLD Ancient Xenon Pottery Vessel, Apulia (1784)

    $595.00
    H: 3.125”  W: 3”  D: 2.875” | FREE SHIPPING IN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    Miniature 4th century BCE elegant xenon Apulia vessel, flared rim and handle, with painted orange geometric designs which may have been a child’s cup or used for votive purposes.

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  • SOLD Brick Tile of 2 Wéiqí Board Game Players (3346BKE) China

    SOLD Brick Tile of 2 Wéiqí Board Game Players (3346BKE) China

    $495.00

    H: 11” W: 9.5” D: 2” | SOLD

    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.

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