Jar - Terracotta - Blackware Vessel

Fine Vintage West African Blackware Terracotta Vessel with Applied Rosettes.

An exceptional example of traditional West African hand-coiled pottery, this globular terracotta jar (olla) features a striking carbon-reduced black finish. The vessel is beautifully adorned with six symmetrical, hand-applied "rosette" or "solar" medallions encircling the shoulder, framed by delicate horizontal incised banding. The neck displays subtle "comb" texture markings, a hallmark of traditional village craftsmanship.

The deep charcoal-to-black surface is achieved through a traditional pit-firing process where the oxygen is reduced, forcing carbon into the clay. This piece perfectly balances functional form with ritualistic artistic expression, making it a sophisticated addition to any collection of ethnographic art or modern rustic decor.

Product Details:

Material: Reduction-fired Terracotta (Unglazed)

Origin: West Africa (Likely Nigeria, Nupe or Gwari tradition)

Dimensions: Height: 16.5 cm | Diameter: 17 cm

Condition: Very Good. Features a rich, authentic patina with minor surface spalling consistent with age and traditional firing methods. No structural cracks or repairs.

Important Points;
Hand-Coiled Construction: Emphasize that it was made without a potter's wheel, showcasing the maker's manual skill.

Authentic "Blackware" Finish: Collectors look for the smoky, matte finish characteristic of reduction firing rather than modern spray-on glazes.

Texture & Appliqué: The raised medallions provide a tactile quality that is highly desirable in "Wabi-Sabi" or "Tribal" interior design styles.

Shipping with track and trace.Of course very carefully and safe packaged.Item can be picked up in Ekeren (Antwerpen,Belgium).